Reinvention

Susan. Why was she called Susan? When she could have been anything, when so much rests on a name, why Susan? It had been an opportunity to invent something new, an identity that was wild and exciting. Still there she was in a smart suit and sensible shoes – Susan.

Oh well too late now, everything up to that point had been decided but what happened next, well that could still be interesting. Susan walked along the street; she bumped into a man with pink hair and a tattoo of a rocket lolly on his arm. The red trousers and orange socks seemed a little bizarre but then it takes all sorts and at least he had some sense of his own style. Maybe she should visit the boutique and try a subtle change in appearance? Not now though, she’d be late.

Susan walked into the park. There were children playing in the water, dogs running and lovers lazily lounging under trees. Somewhere in the distance the tune of an ice cream van played in Susan’s head. It was a perfect hot sunny day. The sun always delivered such a variety of costumes and people to the park. It was usually quiet but today was the day for fun. She sat down and waited to meet Roger. They always met here. Same park, same bench, same day, same time, just to sit and chat. Susan waited. She watched the ducks and the people rowing boats. Maybe Roger and Susan would try the boats one day. Maybe they would go to dinner or do something crazy and impulsive. Other people did, why not them?

The train of thought was interrupted by the harsh bing-bong of a call, Roger was busy at work. They would have to meet later. Maybe she would wait for him to show up, there wasn’t much else going on, and maybe there would be time to reflect upon that name again. Maybe the boutique was still open; she could trade in the suit for a magenta skirt and purple crop top. The flat, sensible shoes would have to go as well. The sun was shining and there was plenty of time for real life back at the office!

‘Jeff, are you there?’

The voice interrupted a train of thought. Who was shouting?

‘Jeff? The mechanic is outside waiting to take the car’.

Jeff left Susan in the park with a message for Roger, logged off the computer and walked out into the pouring rain to see what was going on.