The Statue at St. Armand's

In the middle of the sidewalk at St. Armand’s circle stood a bronze silhouette. A man wearing a long trench coat, his hat tipped to the wind. Isadora thought he looked out of place in the bright summer sun, their apparel would be much too warm. The hat blocked the features of the face, but for a few wisps of curly hair. She felt its call today the way she had for many years.

She sat on the bench at the gelato shop, taking in the odd figure. Some new folks had been hired and after she had been served, she overheard them talking.

“They say he froze to death during a mid-century storm. No one claimed him as family and some artist thought he deserved have more than a headstone.” What a ludicrous story, it couldn’t have been that cold in Florida, not even deep in the winter. An older crew member spoke up, “Locals say he’ll thaw out and wake up when his soul mate touches the statue.” Even more ridiculous Iz thought, exiting the shop. This area had a lot of far-fetched love stories.

Still, no one had ever claimed the artwork. She couldn’t help but imagine what his face would look like, staring as she took tiny bites off her tiny spoon. As a child, she was fascinated by it, dancing around, grabbing at his coat and hands. Her mom stopped bringing her for gelato because she had to pry her away, attempting to soothe her tears as they left.

Now twenty-two, Iz had found a job at the veterinary center around the block. She had to drive by the plaza to get to work and had stopped in before her first day. She decided it was time to go, she'd have time to ponder later. She brushed the statues hand as she walked toward her car, not wanting anyone to see her give in to the need to touch him.

It had been a month since Iz started at the vet center, she’d been offered night shift and readily took it. She preferred the animals, they always told her exactly what they wanted. She knew how to befriend even the most stoic family pet, understanding when they wanted space and when they were afraid. Her co workers on the other hand, were the opposite. Always in a hiding their stress, never taking time off. She landed the shift because the animals were always calm around her, they could sleep.

Rainy season had come early this year and it was late when she heard a banging on the door. Heading for the office, she checked the surveillance cameras. A man in a long coat stood at the door, one hand against the glass, one cradling a limp cat. His face was shaded by a hat. Unsure of his intentions, Iz used the intercom, “What’s wrong?”

“My cat, she’s sick, I don’t know what happened...” The voice came through broken. She calmly headed to the front door. As she approached it became clear the animal had already passed. She felt pity for him and unhinged the heavy bar lock. He stepped inside, removing the hat to reveal short curls, dripping rain.

“Can you help?” His voice cracked, he knew too. The feline was a small, young looking tabby. Though she appeared asleep, she was soaking wet and unbreathing. Iz looked the man in the eyes. Were those tears, or drops of rain from his sodden curls? She couldn’t tell, his face was beautiful but expressionless.

“What’s her name?” Her question shook him from his silence.

“Zi-Zi-Zinia.” He was crying, the stutter confirmed it and his face shifted to clear sadness.

“Let’s take her back to a room and we can talk about what happened.” She led him to a room they used for passing pets. A comfy looking but oversized bed sat on a stainless steel exam table. She directed him to lay her down. His motions were awkward, and he stood over her, unsure.

“What happened?” The mans eyes spilled over and he started to sob. Sinking to a bench and wringing his hands, he rocked on the edge. Iz moved towards him, she appreciated his raw grief. In that moment he was so pure, so animal. The normal uneasiness of being social slipped away and she moved to sit by his feet. Back against the bench and hands relaxed in her crossed legs, tears filled her eyes.

“You can stay here as long as you like…” Iz whispered words that rang clearly through the cold room.

It felt like minutes but it must have been hours they sat there. The animals in the adjacent room began to rustle and whine. Iz stood, avoiding waking the sleeping man. She almost made it, reaching for the door handle, stepping softly.

“Wait…” his sleepy, deep voice broke the silence, “What’s your name?”

“Isadora,” curiosity colored her voice, had he felt her leaving? “Iz for short.” He laid his head down, eyes open but unfocused, not offering his in return. She opened the door and stepped out. She’d have to let the admin know to be gentle with him. She paid for the services Zinia would require, and made sure a small silver urn would be provided. Even though she’d hardly worked, she was exhausted. The rain hadn’t stopped and she stood by her car, letting it wash over her. It wasn’t her cat, why did she feel the loss so deeply…

Jason’s laugh crackled through the small room. Iz sat on the couch and stared at the urn behind him on the shelf. She was having a moment. Was this real? For all the expression she'd felt from him that night, she never thought he could be like this in everyday life. He was… not perfect. He was available. He seemed always to trust her with how he felt. He showed her every part of himself. And in return, she’d felt herself open up too. She understood the meaning of ‘fast friends’ now.

Jason’s voice intruded, “Iz? Are you there?” She missed something he said.

“Yea! I was just thinking.” Her cheeks felt warm

“Oh yeah?” Jason saw her blush. He was facing her, leaned back on the arm of the couch, hand fiddling with the cushion seem. “What about?”

Iz felt the smallest hesitation, but her heart beat her brain, “You.” Her cheeky smile led him through her mind. She felt his hand brush her cheek, they’d never touched before. Jason leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers. She looked up from her lap and into his eyes. Laughter bubbled uncontrollably from her lips, causing Jason to do the same. They pulled apart and sank into fits of laughter, perfect happiness fell around them.

The rainy season floated away bringing sunny mornings with more agreeable temperatures. Iz stood in line at the gelato shop. She tapped her foot impatiently, she needed answers. She made it to the counter,

“What can I get you today?” a young man chimed, “What happened to the statue?” Iz sounded demanding. She realized the man was the same one who had been talking about it the last time she was here. He looked at her confused, “It… disappeared the day after I was hired?” he didn’t elaborate.

“Oh…” She ordered the chocolate gelato and left the store. She sat on the bench and stared. Where the statue of a stranger in a trench coat once stood was now an empty sidewalk.