Our lives are occasioned by an infinity of small miracles that, were it not for their simplicity, would fuel our wonder from first breath until last. Here are some...
Little Thrills
Two lovers—Japanese, of course—moved south. In Australia, they were welcomed by an exciting new culture. The Australian cities were not as busy as Tokyo, or Kyoto, or any other anagrams, but they swirled with life in the luring, sub-tropical climate. Brisbane, especially, had everything they needed: a river, a road, and romance. They whiled away their moments in the botanical garden and kissed each other only when someone watched. When the sun set—which it did, regularly—they shied from darkness. Instead, they took refuge 'neath the glowing neon of DISCOUNT BUS TICKETS!
Today, moments conspired, and they were conveyed into my life. The man stood high on his toes and reached for the counter. Please, he said, can I have the instant scratch? Customer service is important—I was congenial. Certainly, sir—which scratchie would you like? She whispered in his ear. Sudoku, he forwarded. I ripped a card from the display nearest me and tendered their money. I smiled and handed the lovers their little thrill. Have a nice day. Next, thanks.
Later, perhaps an hour, I noticed them. They were kneeling on edge of the fountain. Body facing body. They concentrated on the card in front of them. Taking turns, they revealed its secrets—they scratched purposefully, eagerly. I noticed many other cards about them. Some had been discarded hastily, scattered angrily among the ibises. The others, however, were piled delicately. The winning pile!
Even later—perhaps another hour—I checked their status. They had not moved. The only perceivable change was the height of the pile. They busied themselves—they worked.
Even even later, when I returned from my break (I earned it, my friends!) they had vanished. I was curious. Did you see an Asian coupling kneeling beside the fountain? I asked Emma, whom I loathe. No. But—oh my God—an Asian couple just claimed their scratchie prizes. They won three-hundred-and-fourty-four dollars! That's so random? (Hence, I loathe her.)
My thoughts wandered; what would I do with $344. What would they do with $344? In Japan, and elsewhere, they would do everything.
