Cake for Breakfast

Friday. Sunny, cool under the shade of tall oaks. Breezy. The park was calm in this early hour where most are just starting their workday. Perfect for running.

Not perfect for crying alone at a picnic table.

He saw her halfway through the first lap. The trail worn into the earth formed a circuit that wrapped around an oblong pond, separate from the paved walkway for other pedestrians. At first he thought she was reading, but the book was too large and turned out to be a medium white box. Long blonde hair covered her face.

Dodge a cyclist, pass the gazebos, mind the tree roots.

On lap two he heard her sniff loudly. Could be allergies, but then she wiped her eyes, red and puffy, revealing a round, troubled face.

Not his business. Why did he care so much?

Lap three, he deviated from course.

"Are you ok?"

She choked a laugh. "No. My boyfriend just ditched me after cheating for months. I was going to surprise him. Today's his birthday."

"I'm sorry." What else to say?

She sighed. "Want some cake?"