Reality Check

I was standing outside of the polling place. He arrived on the scene to cast his vote. My recognition of him wasn't immediate, but it didn't take long. His face hadn't changed. Well, not that much. A bit of a chat, a reminisce, the usual "Wow, it's been a long time!" and off he went.

As we strolled back to the van I said to my husband, "'Wow!' doesn't begin to cover it! He's really aged!"

I see the telling signs on this old friend -- crows' feet, grayed and faded hair, settled lines connecting nose to mouth, and creased forehead. He even bent a bit as he walked away.

Then I realize -- and I wonder what he saw in me.