Into the Woods

It felt strange for both of them, walking together like this. The years where they were one floated around them, like a ghostly wraith, its presence discernible but never quite fully grasped. Anybody watching them as they set off along the path would sense that they were not strangers but could not mistake the estrangement lumbering along with them, shown in the space between each other and the rigidity in their postures.

Bethan and Dave walked with measured treads, in silence, Bethan keeping slightly behind Dave in her step. The sound of another car parking was muffled as they headed into the trees, the soft squelch of leaves rotting underfoot releasing its moist, woody scent into the air, potent with life retreating, recycling, preparing to be reborn.

"So." Bethan finally broke the silence.

"So." Dave responded and smiled. "How have you been?"

Bethan knew that these pleasantries were the normal buffers of courteous conversation but she prickled at Dave's assumption that she would be eager for small talk.

"Dave," she started. "I didn't come here to be rude to you but I also don't want to be schmoozed..."

Dave interrupted. "Being polite is not trying to schmooze, Bethan, whatever that is." His tone was light but spiky.

Bethan looked down at the twisted roots as they walked, watching where she placed her feet but Dave always in her peripheral vision. The floor was littered with colour. Sun was trying to poke through the canopy where the leaves had shed and barest branches allowed it. It was crisp but bright. Bethan couldn't remember the last time she'd walked like this, for leisure. She decided that she would do this more. It felt good to be living.

They lapsed into silence again, the further they walked, the greater Bethan's bewilderment at why Dave had called.

"Shall we cut the crap, Dave?"

He turned his head to look directly at her.

"I'm not stupid. You want something from me. That's the only reason you called. You've said it's Laney but I don't think it's that."

He went to speak and she put up her hand to halt him.

"Just for once in your life, can you be honest?"

***

365 words

Such a shrewd question.

This started here:

Yesterday's here:

Full list here:

314/366