It was so strange, being back in this park again.

This was where it had all crumbled. So many words said – or shouted – in anger. So much venom it was a wonder anything could grow here at all – yet there it was, in full bloom, with birds singing, just like nothing had happened.

She’d avoided this park for so long. The first time she’d happened by it, afterwards, she’d had the whole scene play out again in her head, so strong it was like he was right there shouting at her again, and she’d had to clamp down on the urge to scream back. After that, she’d taken to charting her days so she never had to come to this part of town. As the days turned to week and the weeks turned to months, and the legal battle raged on, him accusing her of the impossible and denying every one of his own misdeeds, that careful gap had taken less and less effort, until it had been automatic.

Even when the settlement was handed down, leaving neither of them happy but both better off than continuing the struggle could hope to make them, she’d went right on avoiding this park. And then her last client of the day had set up office right across the street from it. She’d felt a sudden dread, going to that meeting, expecting to hear shouting on the way in, or drifting in through the window; a rekindling of a dispute that had long since burnt down to sullen coals.

Instead, there’d been only birdsong and children playing. Just like there had been years before, prior to that whole mess erupting.

After the day’s business was done, she got back into her car and tucked the file away, and there she sat, fingers on the ignition but refusing to turn the key.

And then she’d got out again, locked up, and drifted through the arch.

She’d loved to come here, once upon a time. First alone, then with him, strolling along the paths or resting on a bench or laying out a blanket for a midday meal in summer. Suddenly, she felt a surge of heartsick longing for those times, back before the goddamn stupid misunderstanding that had shredded their lives for years before finally being discovered, far too late. Too much had been said since then, too much done, that nothing could undo. Those days in the park were behind her, now; all thrown away and crumbled to dust.

Feeling almost physically ill, she turned back towards the entrance she’d come through, and there he was, sitting on a bench, staring into that fountain he’d always loved, the look on his face telling of a gloomy mood to match hers. She blinked and gave her head a shake, but when she looked again, it was still him, really him.

Glancing up, he saw her – their eyes met, and he tensed, bracing. But when she didn’t launch a fresh salvo, neither did he – and his mouth turned up in a hesitant smile.

Relief left her feeling unsteady on her feet. She tottered over and sat down beside him. After a moment, she offered, “Hey.”

“Hey,” he responded, and his smile got a little warmer.

She leaned back against the bench. Maybe they couldn’t undo what had been said. But apparently they could start over, as two people chancing to meet.

And this time they’d be wiser for the experience.