Page 5 of Sassy & Sixty

"You knowwhat the worst part is?" Lisa said, her tone turning contemplative. "It's not even the loneliness, really. It's feeling... invisible. Like the world has moved on and forgotten about you."

Emma nodded solemnly. "I know what you mean. The other day, I was in the supermarket, and this young thing asked if I needed help reaching something on the top shelf. I'm 5'10" for heaven's sake! I wanted to tell her I could not only reach the top shelf but probably bench press her skinny arse if I wanted to.She offered to help - and I know that’s kind of her, but she offered because I’m old.“

"But I bet you didn’t say anything, did you?” Lisa asked.

"No," Emma sighed. "I just smiled and said no thank you. And then I went home and ate an entire tub of ice cream."

Rosie felt a lump form in her throat. "I thought it was just me," she said quietly. "Feeling... obsolete."

There was a moment of silence, broken only by Elvis's contented snoring at their feet.

Then Emma straightened up, a determined look on her face. "Right, that's enough of that. We're not obsolete, we're... vintage. Like a fine wine. Or a classic car."

"Or a well-aged cheese?" Lisa suggested with a smirk.

"Exactly!" Emma exclaimed. "We're not over the hill, we're just getting started. Who says we can't have adventures? Who says we can't turn heads?"

Rosie found herself nodding, caught up in Emma's enthusiasm. "You're right. We're not dead yet."

"That's the spirit!" Emma beamed. "Now, what do you say we make this a regular thing? Same time tomorrow? We can swapstories, complain about our aches and pains, ogle the young fathers pushing prams..."

"Emma!" Lisa admonished, but she was smiling.

Rosie hesitated for a moment, then nodded decisively. "I'd like that. Very much."

As they exchanged phone numbers and made plans to meet for coffee the next day, Rosie felt a spark of excitement. Maybe this dog-walking gig wasn't such a bad idea after all.

When it was time to leave, Rosie stood up, giving Elvis's leash a gentle tug. To her surprise, he got up without protest, looking up at her with what she could have sworn was a smug expression.

"I think Elvis here might be a good luck charm," Emma observed. "Bringing people together and all that."

Rosie laughed, reaching down to give Elvis a pat. "Maybe you're right. Though I'm not sure Mary would agree after all those sleepless nights."

As she said her goodbyes and started to walk away, Lisa called out, "Oh, and Rosie? Wear that blouse again tomorrow. It suits you."

Rosie felt a warm glow of pleasure as she waved goodbye. She was looking forward to tomorrow. Who knew what adventures it might bring? After all, she was sixty, sassy, and apparently, just getting started.

"PARK BENCH CHRONICLES"

The late summer sun dappled the path through the park as Rosie made her way to what had become, over the past few weeks, her favourite bench. Elvis trotted along by her side, much better behaved since she’d started walking him. The last couple of months had been a learning experience for both of them. That first outing had been chaotic, but she had come to the park most days since then and they’d formed a lovely partnership. The only time he became unmanageable now was when he saw a squirrel. Then he lost all dignity and charged through the park like a maniac.

Rosie smiled to herself, remembering that first morning and how out of her depth she felt. Now, her afternoons were filled with laughter, unexpected adventures, and a growing sense of liberation.

As she rounded the corner, she saw Emma already there, resplendent in a flowing kaftan that seemed to catch every ray of sunlight. Emma waved enthusiastically, nearly knocking Lisa's hat off in the process.

"Rosie, darling! We were just placing bets on whether you'd wear that darling polka dot blouse again," Emma called out.

Lisa chuckled, adjusting her hat. "I told her you were too savvy for that. Though I must say, that yellow sundress is a knockout. Suits you perfectly."

Rosie felt a warm glow of pleasure at the compliment. She was still getting used to dressing for herself rather than for Derek's approval or to blend in at the charity committee meetings.

"Well, I had excellent advisors," Rosie replied with a wink as she settled onto the bench. "Though I did get a few raised eyebrows at the post office this morning."

"Raised eyebrows are just a sign you're doing something right," a woman interjected, appearing as if by magic with a tray of iced coffees. "I’m Becky. I’m from the café just along the river. Nice to met you.”

“Oh, nice to meet you, too,” said Rosie. “Which café is that?”

“It’s called Becky’s. Just by the bridge.”

---