Rush hour on the Subway platform. People milling about, some making connections, some waiting to make connections, all a step closer to their next destination.
Amidst the crowd, an older couple materializes. A man and woman, both with salt and pepper hair -- both easy on the pepper.
I noticed him first. He wore glasses and his upper back was a bit rounded in a way that made me think of someone who wore backpacks for a majority of his life. Maybe, once upon a time, he was an avid backpacker -- the way some people were once pub crawlers or avid coffee drinkers. Or perhaps he was just someone whose shoulders had a proclivity towards rising up -- maybe whilst sleeping -- one would be amazed to learn of the things one does whilst sleeping --, so that now, after years of being comfortable or unaware in this practice, had finally settled on up as its go to position.
She, his traveling companion, appeared the more modestly stylish and aware of the pair. Case in point, noticing his hair's state of disarray, she reached out and began finger combing it into place.
He patiently waited until she finished the section she'd been working on, and then, without missing a beat, reached out to finger comb her hair. She ducked and waved his hands away. He laughed jovially and a minute later, allowed her to finish finger combing the other side of his head. He even assisted by turning around for her.
Not too long after the grooming, it appeared he asked a hygiene question. She leaned in, smelled his breath, then shook her head and patted his shoulder reassuringly. A moment later they were holding hands.
Shared laughter, looking out for each, comfortably & discreetly navigating private affairs in public, holding hands.
Glad I got to witness one of the many faces of Love, in action.