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A Walk Home
By Andrew Culligan
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“See, it’s not too cold out tonight,” Marie said as they walked into a cool April day.
“No, it’s not bad at all,” Jeff said absently agreeing with her.
“It’s a little cooler than before,” Marie said correcting herself, “but it’s still nice.”
Smiling, she looked at him, but his attention was on the police car slowing down and turning down the next street. Nobody was out after 2 a.m. on a Monday, so he would be checking up on them as much as checking to see what they were doing out this late. They turned at the corner and saw a different police car drive by them slowly. Jeff lit a cigarette and handed one to Marie. It tasted bad right now but made him feel in control.
“Do you think they know we smoke pot?” Marie asked.
“I don’t think so.”
“Do you think the FBI knows?”
“The government doesn’t care that badly about our leisure time activities.”
“Yeah, he was probably coming by again to make sure you don’t attack me,” she said with a smile.
“You know, you could stay at my place if you want.”
“I have to get up early.”
“O.K.”
“I love strolling like this,” Marie said after a good pause.
“This is how I always walk.”
“I know, but doesn’t it feel like were just strolling along.”
“It does. It’s a good night for strolling.”
“Yeah, it is. My friends always walk so fast everywhere, it feels like we are in a race to get everywhere at night.”
Jeff let out a non-committal grunt. “It’s more relaxing when you take your time to go places.”
“It’s nice to enjoy the trip to places too. There’s a lot going on along the way that some people might miss.”
“And if you stumble upon something better to do along the way you hang out there.”
“But how would you know it’s better unless you see what’s going on along the rest of the way.”
They kept walking quietly hearing the voices of a couple coming towards them. As they got closer Jeff squinted, looking at them. After a few seconds he resumed his normal posture with a faint recognition in his eyes. They were almost at her building when Jeff said, “Do you remember my friend Beth? I think you might have met her last year.”
“I remember her.”
“Ever since I have known her, she has been dating this guy Eric. From what I understand, they have been dating continuously since high school. Well, when I saw her yesterday she told me that they were engaged.”
“Yeah, I always think that’s weird when I hear that. You know my two roommates from freshman year are both engaged.”
“I guess that’s how they do it in rural towns.”
“They pick who they are going to marry so young.” They were starting up the outside stairs when Marie added, “I think that’s kind of limiting. There are so many people in the world that they will never be exposed to.”
“My cousin got married last year and she was only 21. It was the same story with her, they were going out for six years before she was engaged. But they are still very happy, and I think that’s just how it is. Maybe they don’t want too much change. Maybe they’re comfortable living how they are. If they are happy, why should they want anything more.”
“I could see that, too,” Marie agreed as they stood at the top finishing there last drags in the cool air. Without conversation, they continued towards the door.
“O.K., goodbye,” John said before she could turn around and say anything.
“Oh…Are you just going to go through the courtyard?”
“Yes.”
“Well, thanks for having me over. I’ll talk to you tomorrow then, I guess.”
“All right.”
They hugged briefly before Marie went upstairs and Jeff walked away.
