The man pointed at something. His friend turned his head quickly and watched. Followed by a little pat on the back with some kind words.

I don’t know what was said. But it made them both smile.

They were two sitting together on the park bench eating a snack. They talked. They laughed. They watched squirrels. They sat silent and watched others go by.

They passed their time doing what old friends do. Frequently looking at one another and sharing private jokes about something they saw.

I looked again and they both had their eyes shut.

It was time for them to leave. The man stood slowly, making sure he was stable as he reached for his walker. His friend waited just a moment, still seated in what looked like a position to offer support if the man tilted backward. They had done this before.

Standing upright with walker at the ready, the man turned to his friend and smiled. The friend got up, stretched, and waited until the man had the leash secure in his hand.

The squirrels would be waiting for them again tomorrow.

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