[ WP ] It was a gorgeous early summer day . The sun was shining brightly , the birds were singing , and there was a warm gentle breeze .

It was a gorgeous early summer day. The sun was shining brightly, the birds were singing, and there was a warm gentle breeze. Sunlight glimmered upon an urban landscape, the hum of activity hanging effervescently in the air. And yet, here sat, on a lonely, cold bench, a sulky young man. He sighed, checking his watch. An old man trundled up to the bench and sat next to him. 
 
 `` Too nice of a day to sit here alone, eh?'' He smiled oafishly at the young man. 
 
 The young man stared, befuddled at the older man, shrugged. `` I guess. But they say tomorrow, it's going to rain. Heavily. Typical, on my only weekend off in so long.'' His shoulders sagged forward in a defeated gesture. 
 
 The old man harrumphed, his mustache and pointer finger wagging in synchronicity. `` Ah, that is unfortunate, but today is a beautiful day. So much to do! I could take a boat onto the pond with my grandson. I could picnic with my wife. I could ride a bike down Central Avenue. Or just sit here and enjoy the sun with a stranger.'' He sipped his coffee and smiled that oafish smile of his again, and the young man felt his blood pressure rise ever so slightly. 
 
 `` But there's only so much time in a day,'' the young man said, turning to face his elderly companion. `` And with tomorrow's forecast looming over, how can you really savor today, knowing it'll end like *that*?'' 
 
 The old man crossed a leg over his knee. `` Ah, a great rebuttal, friend. But tomorrow is inevitable. Today is not just a passing moment. It should be enjoyed, otherwise what else do you have?'' 
 
 The young man nodded. `` Fair enough, fair enough. But I still ca n't get that feeling out of my head, that I should be enjoying it, but I'm instead squandering it. I was supposed to meet a woman for a nice stroll in this park, but she never showed. To think I was optimistic for today, only to watch it be wasted...'' He shook his head, a wistful tint in his eyes. 
 
 `` It happens, I've seen it all before. Pah, bugger her,'' The older gentleman waved his hand dismissively. 
 
 `` Well, I mean, that was the plan.'' And they chuckled heartily, the young and old. The young man leaned back on the bench, an oafish smile on his face. `` To be honest, I enjoy the rain.'' 
 
 The old man smiled that golden smile once more. `` Well, it looks like you've discovered my secret.'' And they sat quietly in the warmth of that summer day, as the sun hung comfortably in the cloudless sky. That same sun rose the next morning, and lit the city anew. 
 
 

