#88, Stephen.

Nat and i met you at the Tin Can Ale House. We were there to see a promising young punk band, you were there because you'd just moved to the area (a promising young engineer at a brand-new company branch) and had "wandered in". We sat at your table, all swiveling on stools and watching the movies playing behind the bar (Snatch, Total Recall (the original, of course)) and buying each other drinks. It was nice to meet a random stranger and have an instant friend, even though it turned out to be just for one night.

Within five minutes of meeting us you asked, "so how long have you guys been together?" and we looked at each other and smiled. "Awww" you remarked. But then we told you the whole sordid story: together, happily, for twelve years, broke up 7 months ago; still absolutely Best Friends Forever. Like family. You were so impressed that we had pulled it off. Gave you hope, you said, and told us of your own recently lost love. i thought you should give it one last chance. Nat disagreed. Finally he and i went up front to dance but you wouldn't leave the table; at one point i looked back (for the umpteenth time) to entreat you to come up and jump around with us, but you were putting on your jacket. Oh no! i realized that you were leaving. You smiled and waved, and i waved back, knowing we would likely never see you again. It was bittersweet! Like  so many things.

The next morning i went in my bag to get a tissue and instead discovered a random napkin; what's this doing in here...? As i pulled it out, i noticed it had writing on it.

You guys are perfect together. Enjoy real happiness while you can. -Stephen

#87, Val

A slight, fashionably silver-haired elderly woman with an always-there smile at her lips. Little bit of a hunch, and usually clutching something-a bag, a jacket, a newspaper-to her chest. We met her at the Starbucks when Nat was trying to study there. She was English, and always talked about England, and flying to and from. She was perpetually writing a book. Sometimes it would get awkward, when she talked about politics, but we ignored the conservative commentary and tried to change the subject. She would always end the conversations with "well, i suppose i'd better get home and feed the dog, and make some supper of my own.." i never did see the dog. Now that Nat and i are broken up, and i never really go to that Starbucks anymore, i will miss you, Val! Hope you get the book done.