What is more beautiful than a young couple on a bench in the sun?

An old couple on a bench in the sun.

***

"Remember when we were younger?"

Andrew opens his eyes to look at Glen. "What about then?"

"We used to chase each other around here as if our lives depended on it."

"And you always caught me and we always fell on the ground and then we would laugh and kiss, to the dismay of the other people." Andrew laughs and shakes his head. His eyes crinkle.

"We've come a long way." Glen glances pointedly at two girls who are probably somewhere in their twenties, lying on the grass and sharing occasional kisses. Nobody looks at them twice and the ones who do, just smile. "We could have been them."

"We have been them. Young and foolish and in love."

"Nothing has changed then, hasn't it? Our minds are still young and our hearts foolish enough to be in love."

"I'd like to think our current love is more mature, though. That our love exceeds just being in love." Andrew smiles at Glen, who takes Andrew's hand in his and squeezes softly.

"You're right. It's mind-numbing to think we found each other when you could hardly be open about your sexuality, except in the gay scene, and even going there you had to be discreet because otherwise, your job could be on the line. Now those girls could just get married and their parents would probably help them organising the wedding."

Andrew shifts to look directly at Glen. "We could also get married, you know."

Glen shifts as well. "Do you want to? I mean, we've been together for almost forty years and we've been wearing rings for most of that time. It's not like we need any confirmation of the strength of our love."

"No, but it could be nice to show the world we belong together, to use the rights our community fought for, and it might have its advantages if I want you to inherit all my stuff or the other way around."

"Maybe. We'll see." Glen leans back and plucks a leaf from Andrew's hair. "For now, let's just enjoy the weather."

The two of them close their eyes and people passing smile at the sight of the wrinkled and grey-haired couple on a bench in the bright sun, their bodies never quite touching, but their hands clasped tightly together.