FLASH FICTION FIRST PLACE

Marilynn Russell

The happy chatter in the coffee shop momentarily lulled Mavis into a false sense of contentment . She remembered when a Saturday morning cup of coffee with friends meant beginnings — of a têteà-tête , of the weekend , of an excited discussion of future plans . “ Lucky ducks ,” she mused jealously about her fellow patrons and was brought back to the unpleasant task ahead . She was meeting Harry to break it off . “ Strange what brought us together ,” Mavis reflected . She had seen Harry initially , at a distance , attending her church . Then , he was always appearing , seemingly out of nowhere , to help load her groceries at the Co-op where he worked part time . Their first real conversation occurred at the church book sale where both sat at the coffee station to rest , after hunting through the daunting stacks . “ Was your quest successful ?” Harry asked . “ Veni , vidi , vici !” she replied , displaying the

Latin dictionary she had discovered .

“ Julius Caesar , 47 BC ! I ’ m a history buff myself ,” showing Mavis his newly purchased The Fall of Carthage book .

They learned that they had both recently lost spouses and both were retired teachers . She taught reading and he woodworking . This conversation led to longer ones in the grocery store and church , to an invitation for coffee and to walks , movies , and eventually dinner at each other ’ s homes .

Mavis ’ s love of Latin was infectious , and she began each of their meetings teaching Harry a famous phrase , his favourite being , “ Acta non verba — actions not words .”

“ In Latin , I can hear human reality reverberating through the ages ,” Harry said , “ No wonder it is still the language of medicine and law .”

Their discussions led Harry to speak of great historical battles — of Actium and Pharsalus . He had visited Italy in his youth and charmed Mavis with vivid descriptions of fragrant orchards and luscious vineyards , for Harry was also an avid nature lover . He delighted in showing Mavis areas of urban wonder . Through Harry , she discovered parks , wildlife , outdoor vistas she never knew existed in her own city . With their year-long

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