The next day, they arrived at the park, and to Leander’s delight, it was quiet despite the beautiful weather. They spread out the blanket and started eating, the chicken as delicious cold as it had been hot on Friday. The other salads and accoutrements complemented the chicken. As they were finishing up, Emil spoke.
“Oh, to be like the flowers and the trees and sway in the wind.”
Leander chuckled, noticing the flowers swaying in the gentle breeze. “Yes, even the milkweed fluff succumbs to the autumn breeze, doesn’t it? I used to want to be free like the birds, until a good friend pointed out that they are slaves to their lives.”
“Ah, yes,” Emil said, “they may seem free as they fly in the wind, but really they are attracting a mate or building a nest or raising a brood.”
“I hope you do
