the leaf falls

“The children at summer camp, the sound of water, the birds above, the love of my friends, this quiet time by myself. Not a bad day, not a bad life.” – Portraits of people and their minds. By the swimming pool, Valladolid, Spain. 

"I was looking forward to my retirement. Now: fetching the grandchildren from school, playing with them the whole afternoon, driving them home, doing shopping with the wife, driving her to her appointments... As I said, I miss my job." -- Portraits of people and their minds. At the Mercado del Trigo, Valladolid.

A slow day, finally. "I am going to study"  he says, "in the other room." Five minutes later, he is lost to the world. Sleep has enveloped him. 

She does not mind being alone. She brings her book with her, but does not touch it: “People watching, that is what I like”, she tells herself. ‪‪

Tired of a whole day work, they tell themselves they want to swim. Now, in the warm water, they are both waiting for the other to start. You first, he says. No, you, she replies. Ten minutes later, they have not moved and they are holding hands. ‪

Not sure she likes her coffee, she stays in, until the rain stops. ‪

They arrived for Christmas and a week later, they were tired. They moved to a small vase and they decided to stay a bit longer.

Another morning of rain. Why not wash and have his clothes to dry (indoors)? ... but where is the other sock?? 

Another Christmas. Another nap. Full house,; he needs to sleep.

All in a line, expecting inspection. They pass the test for efficiency. 

He sleeps again. He needs holidays to rest from the holidays.

A kitchen at rest. Finally, it says.

Pencil and notebook in hand, he writes. Concentrated and sleepy, I see his back relax. He finishes the day well. 

Tired. A meeting. Shopping for his wife. A bad knee and hours of work ahead. Not a good day. And when is that tea coming? ‪

His side of the bed. Neat and tidy. At least today. 

"I do believe in presents" she says as she smells her coffee. "Not that I like receiving them, mind you" Her friend looks bored. 

He run a few miles and still sweating (in spite of the cold weather), sat to have a tea. "Earl Grey", he said. "No milk".