The Diary - August 22

The Diary

August 22, 2026

They had visited the store before.  Two young women. One serious and sober.  The other quicker to smile and chat.  When they left the store after that initial visit, they walked in lockstep, their arms virtually touching and their heads inclined.  On Friday, they were back in the shop.  As they browsed, I noticed the serious one—perhaps the responsible one-- was carrying a large envelop with the words “Marriage License” emblazoned on the front.

I could not resist.  “Did you two  just get married?”, I asked perhaps too loudly and certainly too enthusiastically.  “No, we are just heading to the courthouse to get married,” they replied.  I do not know why, but I was so excited.  “Well, do you want me to take your picture?  You need to have your picture taken!”

They agreed and a moment later they were standing in front of the “mural” of  the large blue bird perched on a stack of books.  The responsible one handed me her phone and I clicked away.  I took a photo with my own phone.  In it, the women, very different in appearance and nature, share one thing—a radiant smile.

I do not know if they were meeting friends and family at the courthouse.  I hoped so, but I had a nagging feeling that they were not.  That did not seem right. I realize now that it may have been exactly what they wanted.  Still, I thought the occasion demanded a bit more celebration.  Awkwardly, I gestured to a table of knickknacks and told them to pick out a gift from the store. They selected a sticker and an eye glass wipe.  Then they headed out, still smiling.

Maybe, someday when they tell their wedding  story, they’ll mention a visit to a little independent bookstore before heading  to the courthouse. Maybe they will still have the photo with the bird, the books, and their smiles.