I had just finished my higher studies and returned to my hometown, eager to reconnect with old friends. I was told by my friends to collect the wine for a discounted price on my way as my share for the reunion party. As I was browsing through the wine counter of a local grocery store, I happened to spot her. She was sitting in a wheelchair, her once-familiar figure now confined to a seat with wheels. It was the school librarian lady, Mrs. Jones. She used to walk with the help of two wooden armpit crutches, but now she seemed so frail and vulnerable. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness wash over me.
I approached her tentatively, hoping she'd remember me. "Mrs. Jones?" I said, my voice barely audible over the din of the market. Her eyes lit up and a smile spread across her face. "Why, it's you, young man! It's been years since I last saw you. How are you?"
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I've been good, ma'am. I just finished my higher studies and I was thinking about heading home. You know, see some familiar faces."
She smiled warmly, her eyes glistening with tears. "That's wonderful, dear. It's always nice to come back home. And who knows, maybe I can help you find your way around these days."
I chuckled, feeling a little self-conscious. "I'm sure I'll manage, Mrs. Jones. But I noticed that you're in a wheelchair now. No more with those two beautiful wooden armpit crutches. Is everything alright?"
Her eyes took on a faraway look as she remembered the old days. "Well, dear, you remember how I used to tell you about my polio when you were a young boy? About how it affected my leg?"
"Sure I would still like to talk about it. as a young man." I said.
I was 17 and she was 37 then. Now I am 26 and she should be 46 now.
"Well, you see, young man, I had polio when I was just a little girl. It left my left leg a bit...different. You used to see me walking with those beautiful wooden armpit crutches, didn't you?"
"Surely Mrs. Jones, you were my I candy. I only could so your right strong foot under your long-flared skirts. You had beautiful toes painted in red color."
"Oh, you were such a naughty boy! But I suppose that's why you noticed me, isn't it? Now that I'm in this wheelchair, I feel a bit...different. Like I'm not as strong or as capable as I used to be."
I reached out and gently took her hand in mine. Her skin felt soft and warm, just like I remembered it. "Mrs. Jones, you are still just as strong and capable as you ever were. It's just that now your body needs a little help. But that doesn't change who you are on the inside. And besides, I think you're even more beautiful now."
"Still toes are very pretty and they attract me to touch them." I said.
She laughed, a soft, gentle sound that warmed my heart. "Oh, you were always such a flirt! But you know, dear, I think it's because you saw something in me that maybe even I didn't see. You saw past my disability, and you saw me for who I really was. And I think that's why we connected."
"I have read and there are people who love disabled feet. Mrs. Jones."
She smiled at my remark, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, maybe I should start charging admission for my toes then, hm?"
"Sure, I can pay by offering you a car drive to your apartment."
She chuckled. "Well, I appreciate the offer, dear. But I think I'll pass this time. Maybe next time you can take me out for ice cream or something?"
"Of course, Mrs. Jones." I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."
She gave me a knowing smile. "I know where to find you, dear. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll take you up on that offer."
"What about now? It's already a late evening, Mrs. Jones. Of course, I can help with your wheelchair to load in my car."
"Oh, dear, I don't know..." she hesitated. "I mean, I appreciate the offer, but I'm not sure if..."
"Don't worry. I will carry your bags for you."
"Oh, dear, you really don't have to..." she protested, but I could see the hint of desire in her eyes. "I mean, it's not like I'm helpless or anything."
No let's make tonight for us. I have red wine in my car."
"Oh, dear..." she murmured, biting her lower lip. There was a flicker of desire in her eyes, and I could see her hesitating. But then she seemed to make up her mind. "All right," she said softly. "Just...just give me a moment to make sure I've got everything I need."
"Yes. Mrs. Jones."
"Please call me Florence, I am separated from my unworthy husband 6 years back."
Mrs. Jones (Florence) is hesitant about accepting my offer of a ride but finds his attention flattering. I assure her that she's not helpless and offers to help with her bags. Florence agrees, but only after making sure she has everything she needs. I and Florence discuss her separation from her husband and her desire to be called by her first name.
I return home and encounters Mrs. Jones, a polio survivor who is now in a wheelchair. They discuss her disability and their past interactions, leading to them examining each other's legs and experiencing sexual arousal. They have sex.
"Florence..." I repeated her name, savoring the way it rolled off my tongue. "I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm glad you're here with me tonight." I could feel the tension easing out of her shoulders as I spoke, and I knew she was starting to relax.
"No it's really lovely when you say it. I need to hear it more tonight from you."