You’re looking the wrong way, he said. Look that way. Over there, he pointed down the street. See her? The blonde in the skirt. Walking towards us. He took his friend’s head with both hands on the cheeks. Do you recognize her?

It’s dark, Pete said. Too dark. How can you make her out? How can you see? He sipped on his soda through a straw. No idea who she is.

Come on now, Tom said to him. Look again.

She was getting closer. This tall leggy blonde was getting closer. She stood under a streetlight.  Lit a cigarette.  Standing there, she looked like a statue.

OK, Pete told him. She does look familiar.

She should.

Why’s that?

That’s your ex-wife. 

No.

Yes, Tom said. Yes.

Pete looked harder. Strained his eyes. She looks so different. She used to be fat and brunette. What happened?

She left you. That’s what happened. Always does. They change overnight as soon as the papers are signed. 

I guess so. I guess so.

She looked at the two men and crossed the street at a rapid pace. She waved and blew a kiss.

All was forgiven.