An hour in the park I truly did not expect

Bliss.

Lovely summer day, I could finally read undisturbed on my favorite bench in the park. Until suddenly...

„Here, this is for you.”

I looked up from my book, startled. A large, round plate appeared in front of me, with a huge chocolate cake on it.

„Uh...?” – I fumbled for words, glancing at the elderly woman holding the plate.

„Are you gonna take it or am I supposed to hold it like this all day?!” – she blurted, with a touch of endearing amusement. I hesitantly reached for the plate. „T... thanks?”

While I was carefully setting the cake down beside me on the bench, the lady stomped over to my other side and sat down. Looking at me with a wry smile. Crazy old crone.

„It’s yours if you promise to listen to my story,” she explained. „Oh, don’t worry, it won’t take more than an hour.”

I came home with something more that day. A connection, a personal story.

Pain, joy, beauty, hope.

Life.

And a delicious cake.

I never got her name. I hope she’s all right.