Transcription:
In a park with rich vegetation and several trees sits a couple on a bench, facing away from the reader. The woman leans into her boyfriend's arm, saying "— AND WE'LL BE OH, SO HAPPY IN OUR LITTLE COTTAGE, DEARIE."
Everett True is seen sitting on a bench a few metres from them, facing the reader. He is wearing his usual black coat with a dark vest and striped pants. He is holding a cigar in one hand and a newspaper in the other, looking restrained and confounded.
Everett True: "I'D LIKE TO KNOCK THEIR HEADS TOGETHER AND BRING THEM TO, BUT MY DOGGONE CONSCIENCE WON'T LET ME — I WAS YOUNG MYSELF ONCE!"
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Transcription attempt by me
Speaking as a bit of an old fart (41), there are moments when you see younger people being romantic/optimistic in ways that remind you of your youth, and you "know" that it won't last, because thats what happened to you.
So these two young people are planning their lives together, but they are young. They most likely will change as time goes on. Thus they will go through pain. I'm a totally diffent person then I was 20 years ago. There's things I wish I could say to myself (change your major, don't eat so much pizza, go get medication for anxiety).
But I can't really do that to someone who is going through it. Best case they stop taking chances. Worst case, they tell you to fuck off and you can't help them when they need it. So you let them be happy and think they'll make it.
I mean, I'm still with my high school sweetheart, so maybe they will make it.
Well as an older fart than you (44) I am a hopeless romantic, so I am always happy to see lovingly couples. Except when I see couples sitting on the same side of a booth at restaurant. For some reason it makes me turn into Everett True.
To be fair, two young people thinking they'll last forever isn't as annoying as two people sitting on the same side of a table.
Yeah I always wonder how do you have a conversation sitting like that. Only time that is ok is when you have people sitting on the other side too.