Romance in the middle of a 8 Million people city?

April 4, 2014By 24

Nonfiction Story

It is Saturday morning in NYC. End of March. My watch shows 9:21. I take a leisure walk through Central Park. It is grey, windy, and light raindrops are falling. Tourists in groups explore the park. They follow their tour guides who hold little flags up into the air. Runners in shorts, despite the cool temperature, doing their rounds. The guy behind the coffee and tea kiosk selling croissants warms his hands.

A young couple with a black umbrella walks slowly over the bridge. Somehow my eyes stay with them. Let’s call them Michelle and Justin. They climb that small hill next to Bethesda Terrace. People with dogs are passing. It seems like dog owners all know each other.

Justin guides Michelle into the field overlooking the lake. A week ago there was still snow on the ground, and in a few weeks it will be all green. They stop in the middle of the field. Nobody around. He puts his arm around her shoulder. She holds him tight around his waist. Like in slow motion they turn around and face each other. Nose to nose. Their lips touch each others.

Suddenly he goes down on his knees. My first reaction is go and help. She also looks surprised down to him. Their eyes meet. He whispers, puts his right hand into his pocket and pulls out a little box. Opens it. Michelle, by now, is totally fixed on this little box and him. Her already big eyes are getting bigger and her mouth wide open turns into a winning big smile. He jumps up and they hug each other again and again. She is on her toes. Next thing I see is a sparkling engagement ring on her finger. The same hand had no ring just a few minutes ago.

Watching Michelle and Justin is like seeing one big heart. They stroll arm in arm down that hill and take some shelter from the rain under the beautiful arches of Bethesda Terrace. A few Gospel singers transform the place into a festive atmosphere. It feels like it was all orchestrated for them.

 

For me it’s time to leave, time to go. I look back and see their eyes full of love for each other. Stepping out into the rain I wonder how they are going to celebrate tonight’s evening. A delicious dinner, candlelight with a fine wine? I am sure they know how to honor this big day in their life.

I am crossing the 59th bridge. There’s lot of traffic. A guy in the parallel lane gives me the finger. Oh well poor man. He had no chance to witness what I just did. With a smile on my face I am heading home. I am looking forward to hugging Cindy and giving her a big kiss and enjoying a freshly brewed Nespresso cup of cappuccino.

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