Silly game

Oksana Matuyk

There was a quiet autumn morning. A big city park attracted and captured by its beauty and majesty every person who even casually saw the golden crowns of tall trees.

 As usual, the crowd of people gathered there. Here you can meet dreamy poets and constantly talking on the phone " hard workers ", a couple of young lovers sat under the tall tree, and then on the bench grandparents who were holding hands and smiling gently to each other;  not far from that place you could see the mother who  could not calm her three sons, who always disturbed each other; ordinary people, alone or in pairs, were walking along long paths  - some of them were walking with their dogs, some of them came to meet with an old friend to join to walk with them, and some of them came to a long-awaited meeting. The weather was just fine as for autumn season. There was no wind at all, the sun was not too high and only touched with its warmth smiling and unsmiling faces of people. Every person had his own story, experience and emotions. But a couple of adult man and a young girl attracted attention who asked something without stopping. It was strange to observe the change of their emotions and it was very curious to hear their conversation, because what can be the topic of conversation of quite too different people.
Little Katie looked like an angel, the angel with curly dark brown hair. A beautiful pink hat suited to her head, she wore thin gloves, and a modest but elegant little dress gave her the look of a young noble lady, the lady whom she often wanted to be. Being 9 years old, she was interested in every subject that deserves at least a drop of attention. Although she looked like the angel and was only 120 cm, but her blue eyes reflected her playful character of a little fidget. She did not feel shy to meet with strangers and ask them stupid questions like, "Why is Autumn called Autumn ?"  and it was the reason why people almost always appeared in inconvenient situation. Today she came with her mother to the park to meet Aunt Jess. Adult conversations seemed to her so boring and meaningless, but to sit still on the same place was like a punishment to her, so she decided to search a more interesting entertainment. She loved to watch people, to talk to them, because they were " discovery"  to her (as she often imagined herself as a pioneer of new continents , so she rushed into the new expeditions and she was punished more than once ). This time the young man was her "victim". He was of 30 - 35 and he sat on the bench mindlessly fingering his hat in his hands, and he seemed not to notice anyone around him.
His name was Jonathan. The man was young and very attractive. He was not too thin, his hair was black, he had a beautiful face and expressive eyes, the eyes seemed  disturbed to curious Katie. A black autumn coat was not done up but he even did not pay attention to the autumn coolness. He even did not notice when Katie came to him.
"Good afternoon to you! Let me introduce myself Miss Ketrin Green. And what is your name? "
The man did not realize that she appealed to him and he was staring at the girl with surprise next minute.
"Are you dumb? Why do you worry? "
Man did not realize what to do-to laugh or to be angry because of such an arrogant appeal. Light smile appeared on his face and he replied:
"No Miss Green. My name is Jonathan Stewart, I am sorry that I did not say my name at once. Your beauty is so dazzled me that I could not say the word! "-  the man said with a light smile.
"I forgive you, Jonathan Stewart, because in this case you are completely innocent, because you can do nothing with my beauty"` -  the girl said proudly .
The man started to laugh, she was amazing and incredible baby and he forgot about his experience. The girl unceremoniously sat on the bench beside him and smiled with a cunning child’s smile.
- Why are you sad?
- Is it polite to ask personal questions? – the man said smiling.
- Mom says no, but I know from my experience that adults do not talk about what they really want to talk. You worry about something, but you do not start to talk about it with a stranger. You say that today the weather is fine or that I am cute, but there are obvious things which are known to both of us, whether it makes sense to talk about them or not?
The man was obviously confused and did not know what to say to this little girl, and therefore he had no choice but to accept defeat.
- You are right, Little Miss. That would be ridiculous. The fact is that I quarreled with my girlfriend, broke off relations and I should move to a new apartment. I came to this park to think and to calm down a little bit, but the more I sit here the more I realize that there is not hope to correct situation.
- You're right, Jonathan Stewart, is a very sad situation, your feelings are approved-the girl said with serious face. - But I think to solve the case and to make a fair judgment we must think of every fact. Do you want to know what Sherlock Holmes says about such cases?
A man laughed and said, "I will be indescribably happy if you tell me about it."
- He says a crime consists of things, rather than from the facts of the commission.
Jonathan was confused with remark of the girl, probably because it was true. Maybe because he had to talk to someone, he continued the conversation with the curious girl.
- Her name is Monica. She is very pretty, with long wavy blond hair and beautiful voice. A month ago, we engaged, and we were going to get married in 6 months. But today we quarreled badly and I do not know if I can forgive her.
- Forgive for what?
- She called me a goof and a silly person.
- Are you the goof and the silly person?
- I think I am not, - he said with a smile.
- So are you very offended by her?
- Yes, because I loved her very much.
- And what does it mean “I loved her”?
Jonathan was very confused and could not answer right away. He tried to find the words, but he could not say anything and just looked at the girl with surprise.
- To love means to respect, to worry, to take care of each other, to help ... - a moment but the words were not found.
- And do you tell her that you love her?
- Of course!
- And did she tell you that she loves you?
- Yes…
- Is it possible to forgive the person whom you respect and love and the person who respects and loves you too?
The man looked at the girl with surprise and said nothing.
- And if the man does not forgive such a person, whom to forgive then? You see, you made me an invaluable service if you answer me because I collect useful tips for my adult future.
Jonathan realized what the girl is trying to tell him, but he still said nothing. His male pride never suffered like that.
- Jonathan Stewart, could you try my hat? –Katie said with a smile.
- No way!
- Why?
- That would be stupid and I would look like goof!
- And why then do you try stupid words and present yourself like a goof?
Man had nothing to say to this fact, and the girl  made sure that it was an adult stupid game which was not interesting to her, and without saying anything she went to have the fun. She liked adorable golden leaves that she began to collect with a dreamy face..