There's Room Yet — Oversized Tee

The bench looked full until somebody arrived with the expression people make when they are trying not to need a seat. One person shifted. A bag came off the other end. Somebody discovered that their elbow had been occupying a separate address. Suddenly there was room, although the bench had made no alterations and would be entitled to some credit for that.

You know the little negotiation. Is this taken? Are you waiting for someone? Would it be all right if I just sat here for a minute? We can make sitting down sound like a fairly involved application. Then someone smiles and moves a few inches, and the whole arrangement becomes easier. You have somewhere to put yourself. The person beside you resumes the book they weren't really reading.

Nothing especially significant has to follow. You might discuss a dog. You might sit in companionable silence while the dog discusses itself. A small amount of space has changed hands without a speech, and for a while you are among people who have agreed that everybody's afternoon can include somewhere to sit.

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