Two days ago I walked into 711 and there was an old couple at the register probably 90 to 100 years old. They were grocery shopping.  Milk. Wrapped sandwiches, banana, cigarettes and a soda.  I watched them and wondered what was their story.  He was not the boss. Both were frail as they went to pay he tapped his pants as I do looking for my pocket book.  It wasn’t there he had given up carrying it long ago. As she pulled out money from her purse she reached for a brownie and said “temptation an impulse buy”.  I walked past to the next register and made my purchase.   She was handed her change and she said in what I thought was the accent of a queen “I gave you a two hundred dollar bill my lady”.  A smile as big and real came to her face.
I waited by the door wanting to help them if I was given the opportunity.  I held the door in awkward stance as people came and went. Finally as the couple approached me she said in a bossy tone “what are you doing?”   I said I am holding the door open for two beautiful, intriguing people.  She said “and where is my red carpet?”.  I did not understand her she talked as if her dentures were a little loose.  She repeated I said “where is my red carpet and my chauffeur?”.   Then we talked.  What I wanted to do all along.  As we stood in front of 7-11 on battlefield by the YMCA I was touched by two people that had lived.   He was Frank,from West Virginia.  A town I knew of.   She was “from across the water”.  England.  A queen .   At least a queen to Frank.  Her name was Zoe and they met while frank was in WWII. She was disheveled and her hair was messy.  But her mind was sharp.  He was quiet and strong.  She had an arm missing from her glasses but beautiful blue eyes.   Eyes that…. as I thought had seen a 100 years.   He was 102 and she was 98 or so she said.   She gracefully lifted her hand and I took it as she stepped down off that curb. And I opened her door as she was driving a red 2006 mustang.  They take care of each other,  What ever it takes.  This morning i met another queen.

I now wish I would have found out where they lived.  They have been in GB for 50 years. Frank and Zoe.  I’m gonna find them.