The Left Side of the Bench (A Short Story)

Part One - Left Side of the BenchIn the coastal town of Lincoln City, a horticulture engineer with a unique perspective on life finds unexpected connection with a mysterious, but familiar stranger. Excerpt: "Oh hey, how are you?" I responded.It was the girl. She was beautiful. I adjusted my headslightly to make eye contact with my good eye."I think I know you," she said.The analytical mind of an engineer quickly deduced that thisgirl, whom I slightly recognized, but possibly never met, had left her group of friends and returned to me. There had to be a motivation. "Stop overthinking," I scolded myself."Say something, you damned idiot. She asked you a question, and you're sitting here speechless." "You know, you seem awfully familiar too. We must haveknown each other at some point in our lives. When do you think it was?" I replied with a question. I ease into a sense of relief. This girl is way out of myleague, both in looks and style. The truth is, I don't stand a chance. Thank you, God. Now, I can just relax, be her friend for just a moment, and not worry about the complexities of romance. There's something about our human nature always pushing for romantic relationships, which ironically can work against them, especially when pushed too early. Lately, I've found a certain contentment with the idea ofbeing a single man—not a bachelor or a party animal, just a human living solo. There's a wonderfully relaxing aspect to it that I've come to appreciate. "Quit overthinking, you fool. You've only exchangedone sentence with this girl, and you're already reconsidering your entire future." I thought to myself, still waiting on her response.