Mind if I sit here?

Yes.

Why?

You asked me if I minded if you sat there. I told you I did. Now, you ask me why. Does my reason have to be acceptable by you? Maybe I just heard of a death in my family.

There was a recent death in your family? I’m sorry to hear it.

No, I have a reason that I would rather not share with you. You know, if you just sat down there, I would have said nothing.

Really. You want me to move?

No, you don’t have to move.
So, you don’t mind.

Yes, I do mind because I didn’t want to talk to anyone.

So, that’s your reason.

No. Listen, just don’t talk to me anymore and it will fine.

Okay.

Silence.

How long do you plan to sit on this bench?

Now, you’re talking to me.

Yes.

Well, I don’t know. It’s a very nice bench. The sun is not too hot. I don’t see any other benches around.

Silence.

I sit here every day. At this time.

Sit as long as you like. I won’t bother you.

But I feel obligated to talk to you now that you’re here.

Don’t.

Now, who is being rude?

I’m just reading my book. What? Do you think I’m a spy or something? That I’m waiting for a drug deal? I’m just sitting here reading my book, lady.

Well, you don’t have to shout. Go ahead. Read your book. But you might be good company, you know.

Fine. I’m sorry I raised my voice. Thanks for letting me share your bench.

Silence.

It’s not MY bench.

I know.

Silence.

Do you think it will rain?

Now, that is a conversation starter, isn’t it? I thought you didn’t want to talk?

I didn’t bring an umbrella.

I can see that.

I usually do. Just in case.

Hm. That’s wise.

You never can tell this time of year.

I suppose not.

Silence.

You’re not much of a conversationalist, are you?

Actually, I’m a great conversationalist. You said you didn’t WANT to converse.

Silence.

Do you have any pets?

No.

I have two cats.

Two, you say?

Yes, they keep each other company. Bitsy and Rhubarb are great pals.

That’s nice.

Do you think those are strange names?

No.

Some people do.

Not me.

Silence.

What is the name of your book?

It’s called I’ve Read the Same Paragraph Seven Times.

Ah, you have a sense of humor.

Don’t we all?

I never try to be humorous. I do appreciate it though.

That’s nice. Lady, are you trying to make make me leave?

No, it’s fine. You reading your book. Me, just sitting here like I usually do.

Silence.
That cloud looks menacing.

Silence.

The birds know when it’s going to rain.

Do they? Maybe they read the weather report.

Ah, there’s that sense of humor again.

The weather report said nothing about rain.

They’re not always right.

No, and they never apologize if they are wrong about yesterday. They just go on predicting.

I suppose it’s not an exact science.

No, I guess not.

Silence.

I can see the title now. Atlas Shrugged. Is it good?

No, not really. It’s famous but it’s long and I’m giving it one more chapter. It’s not a page turner. Atlas hasn’t shown up, yet.

Maybe it’s a metaphor. Like Atlas is holding up the world and he shrugs for some reason.

Maybe he read this book. I’m ready to shrug about now.

Good thing you aren’t holding up the world, then.

Now, that is funny.

Really? How?

You took the metaphor and applied it to me. I’m really AM done with this book. My lunch hour is over, too.

Will you be back tomorrow?