Roses 4 Sonia

One Saturday last winter there was a slim woman in a long blue coat waiting for the 32nd Street bus that I take to work. I am normally too shy to initiate conversation with fellow passengers, but as I approached I found myself saying “Good morning.” And she shy-smiled and said “Good morning” as well. I had just met Sonia.

For the next dozen or so Saturdays, Sonia and I exchanged pleasant light conversation before the bus arrived. I learned that she was from eastern Europe and she lived with her daughter, who sometimes drove her to work. She learned that I had a daughter as well, and that I was a restaurant host and cashier at Matt’s Big Breakfast, which had a 32nd Street/Camelback location. Somewhere in there I suggested it might be pleasant if we had breakfast there sometime, if we could find a mutual day off where neither of us were too busy.

Then one Saturday she didn’t show. And the next, and the next. I figured her schedule had changed. Sighed a little. She was so nice.

But months later, yesterday, I was waiting for the bus and who should walk up but Sonia! Wow, was it good to see her. “What’s your favorite flower, Sonia?” “Ummm…roses.” “I’m gonna draw some roses for you.” And I did. And I gave her the drawing this morning, on the condition that she pose with it. Here they are!