The sun was shining brightly from his exalted perch in the high clear blue sky. A few geese, in perfect V-formation, cut a field of blue that stretched over the bustling Canadian capital, Ottawa, which sat under a quiet park located on the hill where I sat. I saw a large open market in downtown Ottawa and government spiers. The market was filled with people who seemed to me tiny ants who were leaving the tent in the tent. A few days ago I explored the ByWard Market. It was a beautiful place filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, smells of wonderful bistros, open-air cafes and endless eclectic shops.
I sighed. It was so peaceful here in the small town of Hull, a few miles from the Ottawa River from the magnificent capital, which I never wanted to leave. People were friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed, almost bohemian, and the region was clean and level to behold. Much and much less than New York. The United States seemed like a completely different world. Foreign to this place, although it was only a hundred miles away.
It did not help that I was involved in romance for long distances, and that I would leave my new found love to return to the insane asylum, away from this peaceful, relaxing escape.
“Magnifique journée, n & nbsp; pas? ”the old man said quietly on the bench next to me.
"Excuse me?" I said. I always felt a little shy, explaining that I was American, and that I did not speak French. “I'm sorry, but I'm from the States ...”
“Ah ...” - the man nodded, and a sparkle appeared in his eyes: “Oy, this is not a problem. Most of us from Quebec have learned to speak English, it's a beautiful day. Do not you agree? "
"Oh sure." It is very cute. Like a painting. I like the French culture in this area, it is very attractive and unique. "
“Yes, yes, but I, like many of Quebec, think that we should be a separate nation. We must be able to celebrate and promote our heritage. We adapted so that we could communicate with everyone else in North America. ”
"With the exception of street signs." I said.
"Yes," he nodded, "all this is in French, and I hope they will remain so."
"I also." I agreed. "It's not so difficult, even for an American like me, to get around, and everyone here seems so friendly and helpful."
He grinned and looked beyond the perspective. “Indeed, it seems so. Most people are pleasant, but there are people in any culture who are rotten apples. ”
“Of course, there are a lot of rotten apples in the Big Apple, but many wonderful people.”
“Oh, are you from New York?” He asked, seemingly very interested.
"Oui!" I answered. He smiled approvingly.
"I love New York, where I met the love of my life." he said, looking into his eyes.
"Oh?"
“Yes, I went to Syracuse twice a year. Many people from this region do it about 80 miles across the border, and there are less taxes, we buy clothes and other goods in retail outlets. ”
"Yes, there are great shopping in Syracuse."
"One day, in the early 70s, I ventured to New York to see the sights." Visit Broadway and watch the show.
“The city really fits its description,” I said, “but there is definitely always something to do.
"On a cart with a hot dog in Central Park, from all places."
"Indeed?"
“Oh, she was very beautiful, and I was waiting for her. When she left with the purchase, she dropped the bill for $ 20.
“It wasn’t gallant and unusual in New York. People are always so busy coming and going. ”
I told her that I worked in the Canadian government and was on vacation. stately, beautiful park. "
"Yes it is. But I love this little park. ”
“Oui, me too. I come here every day, and I often think about this day. ”
“I will miss this park when I return in a few days. Honestly, I don't want to go, I love also. ”
“Ah,” he nodded sadly, “this is difficult. It explains the sadness in your eyes on such a huge day. You have great, completely distant lives. All you want is to see them and be with them. for long periods of time. You have to fulfill family and business commitments in order to steal a few minutes together. ”
"Owy ..." I sighed, my body was blown away. I did not want to think about it. "How did you handle this?"
“Oh, not good, I think we cope with this for two long years. We met every month in Syracuse, began to bother us and look at us funny in order to move so much back and forth. I can tell you. , meeting and staying in hotels on weekends so often, traveling back and forth. Emotionally, however, was the worst time again. ”
I felt my throat clench. I actually traced tears at the thought of all this. It was a young, respectful relationship with which I participated, but I didn’t want it to end, it was so right. I also did not want to go in the order that this gentle man had just described to me, and this problem was what spread this novel. We could put an end to this and be unhappy, perhaps by missing the greatest chance of happiness in our lives, or continue and struggle with the inevitable heart pain associated with many years of work.
I looked at the great, hospitable city. “How did your romance end?” I asked. "If it doesn't hurt you too much to share." I added.
"No, absolutely not. Why don't you ask my self-love! ”He smiled. “Here it is now. You understand what it is worth fighting for. ”
An elegant woman came up to us with a joyful smile. Magnifique journalée, Je t & a aime. she said to him, kissing him on the cheek, and they embraced. This is another beautiful damaged day.
She sat down next to him, and they joined hands.
"Indeed, it is a beautiful day." I agreed.
