A Better Offer — Pullover Hoodie

The event has reached the part where everybody is explaining why they ought to leave while making no visible progress toward the door. You have enjoyed yourself. You have heard the story, met the person, admired the thing somebody very much wanted admired. Your companion asks whether you are ready.

Before you can answer, they describe another possibility.

It is a much smaller event. Attendance would be limited to the two of you. The conversation could become considerably less suitable for the room you are currently in. They have also remembered something you said you wanted to do, which gives the proposal the pleasing quality of having been prepared with you in mind.

You say it sounds better. They say they thought it might.

The hoodie is waiting with the coats. You pull it on while they finish a goodbye, then watch them cross the room toward you. There is something attractive about seeing a person you want become the person leaving with you. The room notices nothing in particular. You notice rather a lot.

Outside, they ask which part of the proposal persuaded you. You give them an honest answer, although not the whole answer. They point out the omission. You tell them they are welcome to keep asking.

For a while you walk without needing to agree on much beyond the next corner. The evening has acquired more space by becoming smaller. Your companion says they have another idea. You are listening.

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