Here is a very, very short "scene".  A kind of 
moment-in-the-day-in-the-life of our two favourite characters.  This is a 
first time posting of a "story" by M. Cosic.  She is currently working on 
a longer story (and hopes I get the time to post it).  Enjoy!


The following "scene" is based on the characters and situations created 
by Chris Carter, Fox Network, and Ten Thirteen Productions.  The 
characters named (or suggested) are the property of those entities and no 
infringement of copyright is intended.


=============================="Reflections Upon a Relationship"=============


For many months I had watched them together.  They did not come into the 
coffee shop every day, but when they did, they always sat at the same 
table in the corner by the window.

From the beginning, I knew that their relationship was unique.  Often 
they would sit in silence for long periods of time.  I'd watch him, his 
gaze heavily preoccupied as he seemed to look at nothing at all.  
Occasionally, he would peer outside, as if something had stolen him away 
from the dark matters that consumed this thoughts.  

It was then I would see her glance up from the cup of coffee she had been 
stirring absent-mindedly; unblinking as she watched him.  A subtle 
metamorphosis transformed her features as a smile would hint upon her 
lips.  Some days that smile seemed so warm and maternal.  Other days I 
wondered if I had caught a glimpse of a long-hidden passion held for him, 
feelings kept firmly in check, yet not unimagined.

I thought about how they had come to be together.  I saw so many men and 
women each day seated across from each other over a cup of coffee with 
conversations continued, smiles exchanged, tears sometimes cried.  
Co-workers, friends, lovers--what relationship did these two share?

With the late afternoon sun warming the edge of his shirt sleeve, I'd 
watch him look away from his lonely vigil of the street and turn his deep 
gaze back to her.  She would continue to smile, only the expression would 
broaden and be followed by words.  A joke perhaps, then shared laughter 
or a raised eyebrow and a good-natured smirk from him.  Friends?

Their words would then turn serious as their bodies leaned eagerly toward 
the table in anticipation of shared information or a heated debate.  
Co-workers?

A glance at the time would signal the need to leave.  He would watch her 
as she put on her coat, then would stand himself.  Several more words 
would be exchanged; she would smile up at him once more.  Then gingerly, 
tenderly, he would touch her arm as they left.  Sometimes his fingers 
lingered upon her elbow as his gaze now seemed consumed only with her.  
Lovers?

It has been a long while since I have seen them here.  I imagine what has 
become of them--a move to a new city?  A job lost or transfered?  A 
quarrel and separation?

It is the end of summer and the tourists are disappearing.  Yet I know 
that soon I will see them again.  When the twilight on a cold winter's 
afternoon casts long, dim shadows on the mostly empty tables, I will be 
waiting for the two of them.  I'll watch his sad, distant look, burnished 
brighter only when he turns toward her, and her gentle, caressing smile, 
returned to him as they share another afternoon together.

-- 
Helen - Dept. of Economics, University of Toronto	helen@epas.utoronto.ca