Among Roses and Rainclouds

Eric wipes a bead of sweat from his brow as he threads his way between beds of blooming roses, the air thick with their scent. His sneakers press into the soft mulch, the distant sound of children’s laughter echoing from the playground. Ahead, an elderly woman in a wide sunhat kneels, fussing with a stubborn weed, her gardening gloves stained with soil. Eric hesitates, watching her struggle, and shifts his weight. The sky overhead is heavy with gray clouds, threatening rain, but the park buzzes with late afternoon life, dog walkers, joggers, two teens sharing secrets on a shaded bench. The petals beneath Eric’s feet are scattered with dew. His phone buzzes in his pocket, but the woman looks up just then, meeting his eyes with a brief, questioning glance.