As we sat with our legs dangling off the bridge, I looked at her and asked “Do you know how old this bridge is?”
She turned, looked at me with surprise and said “I don’t know.Judging by the looks of it, it must have been built at least 30 years ago.”
The bridge wasn’t in the best state. The paint had worn out and the alternating black and white streaks of paint were now barely distinguishable over the gray stone.
From what I had heard, even when newly built, the bridge wasn’t an aesthetically pleasing structure. It was built for convenience, to help the townspeople travel faster to the nearest city.
It had no overhanging arches or precise metal frameworks. It was just built on stones and mortar. But it still had had its own charm. But now years later, it was a sore sight, much like a domino out of place.
Unlike the girl who sat on the side of the bridge. She sat facing the lush canopy of trees. She looked very normal. No, normal didn’t cut it. She looked ordinary. Everything about her seemed completely ordinary to me.
She was the type who would fit in anywhere. You wouldn’t notice her if she walked right by you.
But at the same time, she was the kind of person who would look at home walking in the woods or running in a train station.
She seemed to be thinking about something deeply. Something that was in her mind long before I came and sat next to her.
“This bridge is very insignificant isn’t it?” said the Ordinary girl.
“What makes you say that?” I replied.
“Well ever since they opened that other route, I don’t think a lot of cars come through here. I’ve been coming here every day for almost two weeks now and I rarely see any cars. Just the bored regulars who want to try a different route while cycling and the occasional delivery truck. The bridge could collapse anytime, and it wouldn’t affect anyone.”
“I have to disagree with you. The thing is it’s easy to write off this bridge because of its current predicament but what you aren’t aware of is the significance of this bridge in the history of the town.”
“Oh, I’m almost at the end of my time here but I think I have enough time to listen to it if it’s interesting enough. Do tell me but only if you believe it would truly change my mind about the bridge.”
“I definitely think it would have at least a small impact on you. And to make it worth your while, I’ll weave it into a story; add in interesting twists and turns to keep you hooked.”