Sunlight brightens a room. Of this I'm sure. It is uplifting and warm and reassuring. Add to that a steaming cup of coffee and a good book and the recipe for a perfect getaway spot is complete. I sometimes bring my plant to the window for a shower of light. It just adds something to the space every once in a while to have a living organism sharing the light with you. My cat even comes to join me on occasion.
One day I was reading a dark story. It was a bit depressing, and impeccably well written. I had to take breaks every couple of hours to let my mind unwind from the stress of the story. During these times I had been refreshing my coffee and gazing out the window.
The window's view was from the second story of my house. It overlooked a side street that had a little cafe right across from the house and other little shops up and down the street intermingling with a few other houses. As I was sitting staring mindlessly out the window, some movement at the cafe below caught my attention.
A young man and woman had just sat down at one of the little outside tables. It wasn't long before the waiter brought them both cups of coffee. It wasn't a cold day out, but in the shade of the building it was cooler and there was a slight breeze ruffling the tablecloths. The two young people seemed to be enjoying their conversation.
From my sunny perch it seemed as though I was watching a silent movie taking place below me. They reached across the table at one point and began holding hands and the gesture delighted me. It was such a subtle and natural action. I could see that both were deeply engaged in the other. They hardly looked away from one another.
I left to go refill my coffee one more time and when I came back, the couple was halfway through their afternoon meal. It reminded me of when I used to go out to cute little cafes with my husband. We didn't seem to do that anymore. We had become busy individuals who granted quick pecks on the cheek when we passed in the halls to and from our activities. This younger couple made me miss those days.
Just then, I actually saw my husband walking up the street. He was fixing the sink downstairs today on his day off from his job. I admired his ability to fix almost anything that could break. It was one of the wonderful qualities he possesses. I watched him near the dining couple and then cross the street. I noticed his little brown hardware store bag; he must have gone out to get a part that he needed. As he was crossing the street he looked up to my window and I smiled and waved down at him.
Not too long after, the couple paid for their meal and then left, heading up the street hand in hand. I sighed and then returned to my book as the sun continued streaming in through the window. My novel wasn't quite as interesting now, but it was just as depressing. It wasn't a very happy story, but it was one of the newer books in our library. I didn't feel like reading more of it so I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the wall to enjoy the rest of the sun.
After a few minutes I heard the stairs creak as my husband made his way up to where I was sitting. I could sense him standing in the doorway watching me as I soaked up the sun in my corner. He smiled at me when I opened my eyes and looked over at him.
"Would you like to go out for dinner, Marissa?" he asked me.
I smiled and took his hand as he helped me up.
"I'd like that," I said kissing him.
Through the Window © 2012 Katherine Kovanda
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