đź’” A Choice to Differ
A story from 2005, re-written with Copilot
I. The Park and the First Glance
Life is full of choices. Most people shy away from them—duck, dive, hide. But what do you do when you choose to differ?
It was a pleasant summer afternoon. The sun was gentle, the breeze kind. I had walked into the park to sit, breathe, and rejuvenate. That’s when I saw her.
She was young, cheerful, radiant. Two children danced around her, laughing and chasing each other in circles near my bench. She didn’t look old enough to be their mother, but I presumed she was married.
“Hey Mishel, Mike, come here!” she called out.
“Sorry for bothering you,” she said.
“No, no, no. They’re bothering me the least,” I replied.
“They’re very naughty.”
“Your kids?”
“No, my elder sister’s.”
That was how we met. From that day on, we talked often. We began frequenting the park together. Something gentle began to grow.
II. The Words That Echo
One evening, I picked up the phone. My heart was racing.
“Hey, I wish I could marry you,” I said.
“Sorry.”
“Why? Don’t you like me?”
“Yes, I like you. But I can’t marry you.”
Her words echoed in my mind for days. I couldn’t let go. I couldn’t erase her from my thoughts. I needed to know why.
III. The Question That Hung
Days passed. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t focus. I needed an answer.
“Hey, I want to know something. Whether you want to marry me, it’s your choice. But still, I want to know the reason. Please… please…”
She hung up. I sat there, staring at the silent phone. The question lingered.
IV. The Choice
Do you want to marry a girl you love—even if it were for a few days?
That was the choice.
V. The Truth Beneath the Smile
The park looked more beautiful than ever. She stood there like a shining star. She had called me. I didn’t know why. Did she have some corner of love for me?
“Hey, I was thinking about what you asked last time,” she said.
“Really? I forgot,” I teased.
“What was it about?”
“Something like… about marrying me?”
“I remember,” I said softly.
She looked down. Her face was filled with sadness.
“I just want to clear my conscience,” she said.
“You are very adorable. I would have really loved to marry you. But… I have only a few days to live. I’m in the last stages of cancer. The doctors see no hope.”
VI. The Answer I Chose
Do you want to marry a girl you love—even if it were for a few days?
That was the choice. I made mine. I convinced her to marry me.
VII. One More Day
Today, as I wake up, I don’t know if she’ll be there to tell me how much she cares. I pray to the gods to give her one more day.
It has been thus, every single day.