Jackie watched out her front bay window. The young lovers thought the deep ravine, nested among the tall oak trees, in the City Park could shield them. Is it a crime to watch what two do in a public park? Jackie's house sat tall, above the street and near the treetops of the oak trees.
Drifting thoughts, away from the young passionate lovers Jackie felt Sam's presence. Oh, she missed her Sam. They bore no children, he is gone, and she is alone. Jackie can remember their early courting days. They were not like the young lovers of today. A light drifted across her eyes as tears pooled. Young love does not last. Fifty years can fly by so quickly.
Sue, the county nurse that comes to the house to help her bath, has too many family members to give Jackie a full hour of attention. The telephone rings, disrupting a chance to say hello to the only person that visits. These last telephone calls meant no grocery store visit again. A daughter has another crisis. Sue's family is full of drama.
Jackie's thoughts turned back to the park viewed through her window of the home she and Sam shared for forty-four years. The season is changing again. Fall was Sam's favorite time of year. How much longer will her loneliness last?
Next week, alone she will stare at the calendar, acknowledging her 85th birthday, no family will visit and her nurse is not scheduled. Maybe next year she will not buy a calendar. Time does not seem to be her friend either.
