Meeting men.... in Secrets from myself

I met two interesting men today.

Both were in college town. The first one and I were walking down the downtown street together. We discussed weather and dogs. Pleasant conversation. He was younger and kind of stocky and had some facial hair and a wide brimmed hat. He went in the toy store and I went on and ordered a pizza.

The second man was in the thrift store book room. He was dressed amazingly. He was wearing a red felt brimless hat, not a fez or a beret, more like something from Afghanistan. He was also wearing red print fleece pants, sort of like pajama bottoms. His jacket was tan and less eye catching.

He quoted from Jane Eyre to me. A lovely quote I have not been able to find, about death, and life after, or not life after. He quoted a whole bunch of it and it made me shiver. Either the content of the quote or the fact that he was taking the trouble to quote it to me.

He was four years younger than I am - he told me what year he graduated from high school. He said WWII was the most important thing that happened..... meaning its effect on people like him and me. He shook my hand and introduced himself. I told him who I was. And then I got loud. And he disappeared.

Still it was worth it.

I sometimes wonder how people meet each other. I have been a widow for over ten years and maybe this man with his red fez was as close as I've come to a kindred spirit. And then I spoiled it by telling him who I am and talking loud.