Nathan Benderson Park Novels & Stories

“Do you miss them already?” Nathan pouted and nodded. “Yes. I hope we can go somewhere together again soon.” Kristen smiled warmly. “Of course, sweetheart. Tomorrow’s Sunday, after all.” Nathan’s eyes lit up. “Really?” “Really,” she confirmed, her tone reassuring. Daniel couldn’t help but smile as he watched the mother and son. Kristen suddenly remembered something. “Oh, we could visit the new park that opened recently. It’s a bit far, but the nature views are supposed to be worth it.”

They walked in silence for a few moments, enjoying each other's company and the peacefulness of the night. As they approached the entrance to the park, Nathan's phone buzzed in his pocket. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should answer it, but ultimately decided to let it go to voicemail. Tonight was about them, not work. They walked hand in hand through the park, admiring the way the moonlight danced across the pond. They found a bench tucked away in a quiet corner and sat down, still holding hands. Nathan wrapped his arm around Miranda, pulling her close to him once again.

The park was beautiful, no doubt. Suburban park, expanse of grass, beloved and familiar place, straight gravelled paths lined with deciduous trees, round or rectangular flower beds thick with discordant petal colours, statue slightly green, dogs exercised with balls and frisbees, games of soccer, clumps of tall rhododendrons, wooden benches with brass dedication plates, fenced area for lawn bowling club, tennis area, skate and bike park with concrete ramps. It reminded him of the lobby area in Parvaneh.

Nathan set down the file in his hand, grabbed his car keys, and headed straight out. Half an hour later, he arrived at the huge amusement park. He scanned the crowd and spotted the family of three right away. They looked like a picture-perfect family. Stanley was tall and good-looking, Wendy was radiant, and their daughter looked like an adorable little doll. They stood out easily, even in the bustling crowd. Nathan walked over. "Hey, you guys." Stanley turned to him, surprised. "Nathan? What brings you here?" Wendy picked up Bella. "Bella, this is Nathan. Say hi!"

she turned wildly on the spot, frantically looking around “W-where Lena! Where!” Lena gently grasped her arms “Calm down Dawnie”, she said “the Green Man is a forest god which means he will be in some place like a park or a forest or….” she trailed off, her brown eyes drifting towards the orchard that they’d parked across from “Oh, that’s clever”, she breathed, staring at the name: Viridios. Dawn followed her gaze “They wouldn’t be so brazen”, she remarked.

*Amber* The park sits at the heart of the city, a lush green oasis bordered by towering trees that lead down to the harbor. On the opposite side, a few small shops stand, including a pub, a grocery store, and a clothing boutique. In the center of the park, an empty fountain casts a shadow over a worn skating ramp and a basketball court with tattered nets, remnants of happier games played under the sun.