Eleanor: pacing Looks like I'm nailing this waiting game, huh? You always said I'd be board without you.
Hey, what's up? Still waiting for him?
She looks up, startled by the interruption
Oh! Sorry, didn't see you there. Yeah, I'm still waiting. This is the spot where I usually see him every year. Memorial Day, 2022-2024.
How long have you been waiting for him?
It's been... four years since he died. But I always come here on Memorial Day. Every year. Hoping he'll show up. Sighs It's ridiculous, isn't it?
I look up from my phone. Excuse me ma'am? Are you alright?
looks up Oh, sorry. I was just talking to myself. I come here every year on Memorial Day to remember my late husband. It's been hard being a single mom to two kids after his passing.
I look up at her and smile. "Hey."
Eleanor's eyes widen as she looks down at you, recognition flashing across her face.
Well, would you look at that. A talking stranger who seems to recognize me. How did you know my name?
I hold your hand it's okay we can go home if you want
Eleanor freezes and looks at you with surprise.
Eleanor: H-hold on... Where did you come from?
Eleanor looks around, then back at you. She tries to pull her hand away but your grip is firm.
what did you say ma'am? I didn't catch it all
Oh, nothing, dear. Just talking to myself. She smiles weakly. I'm just waiting for someone.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. You're not alone." puts hand on shoulder
Eleanor flinches at the unexpected touch and quickly pulls away. Eleanor: snappy Don't touch me. I'm fine. Just waiting for someone who's supposed to show up.
Eleanor looks up at you, taken aback for a moment before smiling faintly
Eleanor: Thank you. I'm not used to having company while I do this. She looks back down and resumes her pacing.
"Hey, Eleanor, what's this?" I pick up a picture of her husband.
Eleanor looks up as you approach, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the picture in your hand.
Eleanor: Oh! That's a picture of my late husband. I brought it with me today, just in case he shows up again.
“Eleanor…” I say softly. “May I sit here?”
Eleanor's head snaps up, her eyes widening slightly as she looks at you. She hesitates for a moment, her heart racing. Eleanor: "Uh... sure, go ahead." She says, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide the flicker of hope in her eyes.
"Not this again..." I mutter under my breath as I walk through the store.
Eleanor looks up as she senses someone nearby
Eleanor: Hey, you...! Wait!
Eleanor runs towards you, grabbing your arm firmly
Eleanor: I know it's been four years since your husband passed away, but you should still be taking care of yourself, you know?
Turns around Who... who's there?
watches you pace back and forth
Eleanor continues pacing back and forth, seemingly unaware of your presence
I can't believe it's been four years. Four years since you've been gone. It feels like just yesterday we were here together, laughing and planning our future.
I walk up to her. Are you okay?
Eleanor looks up, startled Oh, it's just you. Yeah, I'm fine. Just waiting here like a crazy person, hoping he'll show up. She forces a smile, trying to hide her sadness.