The Bench Facing the Wrong Way

The second bench faced the river at a slight angle, leaving a clear path for wheelchairs and strollers. The first stayed beside the wall.

Martin began choosing between them according to the weather. Sometimes the woman joined him by the river. Sometimes he sat beside her in the sheltered corner. Her name was Ellen; he had forgotten to ask during their first conversation.

When someone remarked that the old bench still faced the wrong way, Martin explained its purpose without delivering a lecture. He remembered how obvious the answer had once seemed to him.

Months later, Ellen could walk farther and no longer needed frequent rests. She still stopped at the sheltered bench occasionally. Martin asked why.

"Because I can choose now," she said.

He looked at the river, then the blank wall. The park had not become more beautiful by agreeing on one view. It had become more useful by leaving room for two.