Things always happen for a reason...
-Unknown
A directive was given to me today. I was told to explore the beach, not the beach that I have been exploring, but the real beach. The real beach isn't exactly close to my location so I never agreed to see this directive through. In fact, I knew from the word go that I wasn't about to take on such a task. This wasn't my first brush with disobedience, but it was the first time since arriving in OZ that I willfully decided to ignore a request from Chris. It just wasn't happening. He doesn't get how far the real beach is and I wasn't about to try to explain.
The fact of the matter is that I didn't have a clue what I was going to do today. I searched Google for "things to do in Melbourne, Australia today" and a bunch of stuff came up that I didn't find inspiring. It was already 5pm and still I hadn't left the hotel. I didn't mind though. It wasn't one of those days where I felt like I had to get out and do something. I was content and didn't feel the need to go anywhere. Yet there was still something tugging at me and telling me to get out. But where was I to go? I searched my tram map for someplace new so that I could shoot some video to post to the blog. The last thing I wanted was to end up in one of my usual places. Where did I end up? St. Kilda of course, just like the four weeks prior.
I settled into a small restaurant that was about four blocks off of the main street. The restaurant was as new as it was going to get tonight. It was a small but cozy little place attempting to be a wine and cheese joint. I say "attempting" only because their selection of wine and cheese didn't compare to other places I had visited in the past. The crowd was sparse but there was a good vibe in the air. I ordered a glass of wine and a small sampling of cheeses. Oddly enough, I am getting used to being alone all of the time. I have never done so many things alone in my entire life until now. Whenever I eat out, I always face the window so that I can watch the people walk down the sidewalk. That's how I noticed Frank walk through the door.
Frank entered the cafe wearing a long trench like coat and a skull cap. When he approached the counter to place his order he removed his hat to expose an aged and bald head. For some reason I was watching his every move. He was a tall and lanky man who looked to be in his mid to late 70's but in good shape all things considered. After placing his order, Franks sat down at a table and waited just like I did. Chris always used to scold me for watching people so closely, so in my head I could hear him say, "Tonka, quit staring!" It didn't matter anymore now than it did then. I continued to watch him for some reason.
When Frank's order finally arrived I was shocked to find that he had waited so long for only a glass of wine. He sat at his table and drank his glass of red, and for reasons unknown I kept watching. It was strange, because we were both alone at our own tables but I kept waiting for someone to join him at his table. It just seemed like he was waiting on someone. I don't know, but it looked that way.
It was time for me to leave so I went to the counter to pay my bill. Before the clerk could hand it to me I asked him to add another glass of wine for the old man sitting alone. The clerk responded, "Who, Frank?" I gave the clerk one of my famous looks. How the hell was I supposed to know!?! I responded, "I don't know his name, but just send him a glass of wine after I leave."
My mistake was going to the bathroom prior to leaving the restaurant. The clerk didn't follow my request, and Frank had already received the glass of wine I bought him before I could escape with my anonymity. Naturally he stopped me on my way out, and the first thing he asked me was why I sent over the glass of wine. Awkward!!! For once in my life I was speechless. When I did finally respond it was mostly jibber jabber. The reality is that I didn't know why I sent over the glass. I kind of felt sorry for him sitting there all alone. In hindsight, I think I saw myself in him.
After introducing himself, Frank told me how he and his wife frequented this restaurant on a weekly basis. They have been married for 57 years and every Saturday they took a walk that ended with a glass of wine together at this place. I asked Frank where his wife was tonight, and then I braced myself for the answer. My track record is not very good after all! As it turns out, frank's wife is still alive (thank god), but she suffered a fall a couple days back and was in the hospital recovering. The prognosis was good, and there didn't seem to be anything to worry about in terms of her recovery. I couldn't help but ask him why he was at the restaurant and not by her side. Yes, I went there... He chuckled at me and I thought for sure I was in trouble! It turns out that his wife insisted that Frank leave the hospital to walk their usual route and to stop for their usual glass of wine. The only thing unusual about this particular Saturday was that fact that she wasn't there to join him in the ritual. He was reluctant to accept her directive, but eventually he caved and there he was at the same restaurant as always. I cracked a small smile, shook Frank's hand, and wished his wife a speedy recovery before leaving the restaurant.
Maybe on occasion things do actually happen for a reason?
loved it
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