November 3, 2016
San Francisco
The afternoon air was cool as Steve walked through Dolores Park.
The trees along the path had begun to turn, their leaves shifting slowly toward the colors of autumn.
Steve moved toward the bench the way he always did — slowly, thoughtfully.
He sat down.
For a moment he simply looked out across the city skyline.
Well," he said quietly.
"I guess it's my turn this time."
The words lingered in the cool air.
"My dad passed away yesterday."
Steve rubbed his hands together slowly.
"For a long time, things between us weren't very good."
He stared out across the park.
"When we were younger... when you and I were together... he didn't really understand it."
His voice remained calm, but reflective.
"I think he was scared of it."
Steve leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees.
"But over the years things changed."
He nodded faintly.
"He got to know Kevin."
"And he loved Caroline."
Steve smiled softly.
"You should have seen him with her."
"She had him completely wrapped around her finger."
The wind moved through the trees above him.
"I guess people grow," he said quietly.
"Sometimes it just takes a while."
Steve sat there for a moment longer.
"I'm glad things ended the way they did."
He paused.
"I think he finally understood me."
The park remained calm around him.
After a few moments Steve stood.
"That's all for today," he said gently.
He looked once more at the bench.
Then he walked slowly back down the path.