Happy

The drunk lovers sat on the concrete entrance to BART at 16th and Mission. It was a warm May night and the couple were making use of every moment before their respective trains arrived to take them safely to their apartments. The last trains would be arriving soon. They looked a little out of place amongst the homeless people and crack addicts who typically frequented the brightly painted corner. He, in his business jacket, and she in what was described by the sales girl as a "cute and flirty summer dress." The man suggested the woman return with him to his room, but she declined. His arm was wrapped under her cotton cardigan, and she lent against him, kissing his chin and sideburns. They said sweet, but unremarkable, things to each other.

An homeless crone approached them to beg for money. The woman, in love with the world, reached into her purse and pulled out a handful of change. She gave it to the woman and wished her the best of luck. She turned back to the man and nibbled his ear. They kissed. Their lust disguised the dirty corner as a love nest. As he teased her neck with gentle kisses, the homeless woman conferred with a friend, a wizened gentleman of indeterminate age.

He approached the couple, also asking for change. The woman again reached into her purse and discovered another handful of change. She happily gave it to the man, acknowledging him with politeness, and again turned back to her friend.

They were approached by another beggar. And another.

"You've got to stop giving them money, you know. They are starting to bother me. Its rude!" He protested. The woman was surprised.

"Oh!" She started laughing and couldn't suppress her giggles until she was alone and on her train ride home.