1
The man with the kind eyes sat quietly on the park bench, trying to read his book. He failed miserably – constantly distracted by the shouts and laughter of children playing tackle football less than 15 yards away. Truth be told, he didn’t mind the distraction. Football, even when played by a bunch of eight, nine and ten year-olds, held a certain fascination for him. It was a brutal game to be sure, but he enjoyed it nonetheless. 2
He noted the page number and, using his middle finger as a bookmark, closed the book in resignation. There would be no more reading while there was a perfectly good game of football to watch. The man crossed his legs and slumped into the bench, making him self more comfortable. He observed that some of the children were naturally athletic, gifted – ran faster and eluded tackles more easily than the others. He knew these children would grow to be strong, healthy, athletic adults. But one boy, in particular, outshined the others on the field, and the man smiled outwardly as if he was the proud father. This boy would go far in life. 3
The two teams broke huddle and lined up on the field opposite one another. The quarterback shouted “Hut, hut, hut” and the center snapped the ball to the quarterback, who back peddled, looking for an open receiver downfield – his teammates fighting hard to keep the opposing team from sacking him. 4
The young boy, with strawberry blonde hair, whom the man spotted earlier in the game, sprinted downfield along the sideline. The quarterback lofted the ball out but put too much arm behind the throw and sent the ball sailing over the boy’s head. The ball glanced off the edge of the park bench with a loud thud and landed a few away from the man. Before the man could get out of his seat to retrieve the ball, a woman stepped in front of him.5
“David!” shouted the woman as she picked up the football, “Tell Mark to watch where he’s throwing the ball – he just about hit this poor man.”6
“Sorry Mom,” the boy hollered as she threw a perfect spiral. 7
The woman turned her attention to the man on the bench. “Did you get hit?” She asked and curled a lock of auburn hair behind her ear. She sat down next to him, leaving enough space for another person to sit between them. 8
“No,” he replied, “I’m fine.”9
She offered him a quick smile before turning to watch the children play, and he thought it is was a good smile.10
Several minutes passed before the woman broke the silence. “So, which one is yours?” she asked, motioning toward the field.11
“Oh,” the man replied, shifting in his seat, “none of them.” She detected a hint of regret in his voice. “I just came to the park to read and got caught up watching the game.” He could tell an apology was forthcoming. 12
“I’m really sorry – you must be upset about all the noise. And my cheering probably doesn’t help either.”13
The man waved off her concerns. “Obviously the book hasn’t grabbed my attention yet or I wouldn’t have been able to put it down.”14
She craned her neck to read the title and he turned the book in his hands so she could see the cover. He looked at her slender fingers and noticed she wasn’t wearing a wedding band. 15
“A Prayer for Owen Meany,” she read the title aloud. “I’ve read that book – and saw the movie.” 16
“Which did you prefer?” 17
“The book, I think. Now, don’t get me wrong, the movie was good, but the book was just…”18
“Better.” 19
“Yes, exactly,” she responded, a little surprised, but neither offended nor unnerved, that he’d finished the sentence for her. In fact, part of her had half expected it. “I’ve read some of his other work too,” she volunteered.20
“This is the first I’ve read from him. Is his other stuff good too?”21
“I think so... he’s an excellent writer,” she responded and glanced back at the field in time to see her son catch the football in the end-zone. The woman clapped her hands enthusiastically. 22
The man joined in and added a few whistles for good measure. The boy nodded in his mother’s direction and quickly lined up for the punt. “I think we’ve thoroughly embarrassed him,” the man noted.23
“Yeah, I know,” she replied, making a point to meet his hazel eyes. “But he’ll get over it, don’t you think?” The man answered her with a light smile.24
A few minutes later, the game broke up as the children began making their way home for dinner. The woman stood and signaled to her son that it was time leave. He waved goodbye to his friends and headed toward the bench. The woman surveyed the man standing next to her. He felt her eyes upon him and pretended not to notice.25
“You know,” she said cautiously, “I don’t ordinarily talk to men I’ve only just met – to strangers.”26
“No. Of course you don’t.” Deep down, he knew she was the type to keep to herself. He waited for her to continue the conversation.27
She extended a hand. “My name is Marie.” Her blue eyes were bright and intelligent. “And you are...”28
He turned to introduce himself, but only got as far as clasping her hand when something over Marie’s shoulder caught his attention. She noticed the change in his demeanor and followed his eyes. Turning her head, she saw a stranger standing in the shadow of an old elm tree, about twenty-five feet from the park bench. Marie looked back at the man holding her hand, “What’s wrong? Do you know him?”29
“No. I don’t. But something’s not right. Does he seem right to you?”30
She looked back over her shoulder, at the stranger starring at them from under his tree, and felt an unmistakable chill. “No – no, he doesn’t,” she answered adamantly. 31
“You can you feel it?” The man’s response was tinged with surprise and concern.32
Marie’s son, David, noticed his mother’s distress as he approached the bench. “Mom? Are you OK?” She nodded, but he could tell she was anything but fine.33
“I’ll go see what he wants,” the man offered as he released her hand. 34
“Wait,” Marie said touching the man’s elbow. “Do you think that’s wise?”35
The man shrugged, “Only one way to find out.” He walked around the bench, away from Marie and David. “You two should get home,” he told them in a tone that left little room for debate.36
She nodded in agreement but couldn’t resist asking, “Will we see you again?”37
“I certainly hope so,” he answered and headed off to address the stranger.38
“Mom, who is that guy – do you know him?” 39
She caught herself wanting to say that she did know him, but held her tongue. She didn’t dare get into all that now, not when they were in a hurry to leave the park. 40
“Sort of – I’ll explain later. Come on David, gather your stuff and let’s get going.” 41
Her son did as instructed, without question.42
As Marie climbed into the driver’s seat she saw the man chasing the stranger into the woods. It was at this point that she decided to stop by the police station on the way home.43
Author notes
This is the first prose I've posted on this site. This story is based on a vivid, detailed dream I had some months ago. At the encouragement of my husband, I have endevored to put the dream into words, without embellishment. There is more... but this is all I've written thus far.
All feedback and critiques are welcome. Thank you.
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 24 of 24
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Wow
Good story! -
cool
Good story! -
Hi Lee - LOL!!!
Your comment made me smile. I promise I'm already writing the next installment. If time and my muse are on my side, I'll get it posted within the next week or so. I'm really glad you enjoyed reading... thanks for your feedback.
Helen -
Helen,
OK, when is installment #2 going to be posted? You can't just leave me hanging like this! I want to know what happens next! The mark of a great story teller - you've hooked your audience in. A fine write. I look forward to reading the next installment.
~ Lee A. Stone -
mysinfulAmadeo: Hmmm, interesting that you thought the man with kind eyes is an older man... I really appreciate your feedback (the notations in the PS are especially helpful). I'm working on the next chapter and hope to post it in the near future.
Peace - PB
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Thanks for your comments grannyeri -- I'm pleased your enjoyed reading the story. I will do my best to get the next part posted soon. PB
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Hi Melodies, All will be revealed soon enough. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. PB
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Gretchen Ross. PB
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counting swans fall, yes I will try to get the next part out here soon. I am glad you enjoyed reading. Thanks for your feedback. PB
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Lady of the Lake,
Thanks for reading -- I'll try to get the next chapter posted soon. PB
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SuMmEr CaTcH - Glad you enjoyed reading... I appreciate your comment. PB
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SueMason - Thanks for the encouragement. PB
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christinaumsted - Thank you for taking the time to read and post a comment. PB
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I like how you made thepeople human - put in the little things that we do. The piece was to me beautiful in its simplicity.
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I'm with Melodies on this, you completely left me hanging *smacks your wrist*. Still though, so far this is shaping up to be a great story. I'm angry that I don't know the guy's name though.
I must admit, when the story started off with some old man watching a bunch of little boys play football in a park I was nervous (mostly because if your writing is as sick as mine it never occurs to you that other people might have morals and stuff, which prevents them from writing such things). I think you've taken a nice turn with this though, and I can't wait to see what unfolds.
Amadeo
P.S. - I also like it that you casually worked character description into the storyline, rather than giving a full bio right off the bat, like many over enthusiastic writers are prone to do. Well done!
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This sure got my attention and I too want to know what happened next and why the stranger drew the attention of this football spectator and Marie. Keep writing...
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Just one chapter? Yikes
Hummm...what happens next? You must do Chapter 2 immmediately! I want to know if the guy gets the other guy and what happens and if the lady and the man get together! Quick!
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Intelligently written
Wow... creepy. -
Wow
good story! -
wow. i dont normally read the featured listed...however, something drew me to this. and im glad i read this. this was throughly brilliant and a VERY enjoyable read. i hope you write more, i will certainly be reading it. keep going.
WR
xxxxxxxxxxx -
please keep going...... And dont make us wait to long...It is excellent!
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that was great. keep writing, i want to here some more.
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keep going
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Wow
Good story!
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