April 18th, 1911
[Howard's POV]
I was in France with my wife Charlie. We were on vacation. I remember one afternoon I was walking down the street. Trolleys and bikes passing me by when I look out and see a beautiful field leading out to a lake. Glistening with the reflection of the sun I couldn't help but stare for awhile when I noticed a man sitting in the field with a paintbrush and a canvas in front of him. I was afraid to bother but went over to introduce myself anyway. I walk up and he looks at me. He had a bushy mustache and round glasses. I remember specifically his welcoming expression.
"Hello sir, Sorry to bother you. My name's Howard. I'm here from England. Do you know English?" I asked
"Why yes, I do. It's nice to meet you Howard. I'm Eugene." The painter replied
"Hello, Eugene. What are you painting?" I said
"The lake. It looks lovely today" Eugene says
I looked at his painting and then gazed out upon the lake. Eugene captured exactly how I could picture it in my mind if I never got the chance to see it again. Everything I would've missed.
"Do you paint often?" I asked
"I suppose I do sometimes. I paint and take pictures." Eugene said
"You have more than one talent?! You're already so good at painting I can't imagine how good you must be at photography!" I said
Eugene chuckled at me
"Do you sell any of your works?" I asked
"No, they're just for me and my girlfriend." Eugene responded
"Oh, I see. Well it's alright. Can I watch you paint?" I asked
"Sure" Eugene said
I sat beside him and watched Eugene finish his painting. I felt so peaceful. At some point Eugene started talking to me. I made the mistake of responding and we talked for hours. About everything we could. Anything in the world. Till it was late. I was so embarrassed when I realized how late it was. Charlie might be worried if I didn't come back soon. If she wasn't already.
"I have to go, Eugene" I told him
"Oh, yea I didn't even notice how late it was! I'm sorry for distracting you for so long. It was nice having you." Eugene said
Oh how dearly I didn't want to leave. This was the last I would've seen of this Eugene. How I regret pushing him aside when he needed me. If I could go back and make this moment last I would've but it was late and I had to go.
I wished him good night and left. Returning home to Charlie. She was worried and I told her about what happened and she was much calmer.
"You're usually not so socialable! Yet you made a friend on our first day here! You should find him again tomorrow." Charlie said
"But it's our vacation?" I responded
"Well I suppose so." Charlie said
Even though I wanted to meet Eugene again I knew I shouldn't. I wanted to be with my wife.
"Maybe tomorrow we will cross paths again" I hoped to myself
