Albertus had a favourite bench in the park…
beneath a large chestnut tree, with a good view of the pond. He went there most afternoons to watch the ducks. The ducks didn’t seem to mind what he looked like, although they were inclined to expect bread.
People were another matter. Whenever Albertus sat on the bench, people tended to find somewhere else to sit. Once, a woman had walked straight into a tree while trying not to look at him. Albertus hadn’t laughed. Not until she’d gone.
One afternoon, he arrived to find an old man sitting at the far end of his bench. Albertus sat down, leaving a polite distance between them. The man turned and stared openly at Albertus’s extraordinary face.
Albertus scowled. Here we go again.
“Can I help you?” he asked sharply.The man smiled a little, then returned his attention to the ducks.
They sat together in silence. The man ate a sandwich and Albertus watched the pond. After a while, Albertus noticed that the man’s hands were trembling. He struggled to fold his paper bag, and when he tried to stand, his legs wouldn’t quite support him.
Albertus was on his feet immediately.
“Here, take my arm,” he said gently.
The man leaned against him, and together they made their way slowly along the path. At the park gate, the old man stopped and patted Albertus on the arm.
“Thank you, my boy,” he said warmly. “I don’t get around quite as well as I used to.”
“That’s all right,” said Albertus. “Would you like me to walk you home?”
The old man shook his head. “I’ll manage from here.” He smiled up at Albertus. “See you tomorrow, friend.”
Albertus smiled back.
“Don’t forget the sandwiches!”
