Tsunami Eyes

He sat on the right side of the bench, browsing on his phone, enjoying the various shorts and reels; meal prep, comedy, dance that were sprinkled with some suggestive content as well. That was how he spent his one hour “walk” at the park. He never understood why his daughter was so adamant and particular that he took a walk at the park every single day.  

He did not enjoy it. It made his knees hurt and swell, but it was what the doctor had recommended along with a light stretching routine from his physiotherapist. His daughter strictly oversaw the stretching exercises before he took his “walk”. 

Eventually, the park bench became his throne. He felt like a king! No nagging and haggling there,  just peace. He looked forward to his bench time, though he hated the five minute walk from home to the park. The bench faced the entrance of the park. He occasionally glanced at the folk, especially the middle aged women, who entered and exited the gate from time to time. He missed his wife. 

This particular day was warm. He predicted rain in the evening and as usual, retired into his bench, kicked out his sandals, frisked himself to his phone, throwing a glance towards the gate. This time, his eyes met a pair of familiar eyes, but furious. They belonged to his daughter.