Drawing THE LINE

Wendy's feelings for him were growing, but should she follow her heart?

- Patrick Prior

Wendy smiled as she saw him. The Line Man. At least that’s what she secretly called him. Every week, when she walked past, he was pushing the little trolley that made white lines on the local football pitch.

She had often almost struck up a conversation, but he always seemed so focused on keeping the lines straight, she thought she might disturb him.

Today, the Line Man stopped, took off his cap, and wiped his brow.

She was surprised. He was much younger than she’d imagined.

‘That must take a lot of skill. Keeping them dead straight like that.’

He turned at the sound of her voice. He had a pleasant, open countenance. Not the furrowed, serious figure he appeared to be when hunched over the rolling machine.

‘Not really. You see the string running alongside? I only have to follow that.’

She looked down to where he was pointing and saw the line fixed along the grass.

‘How clever! I thought you were just amazingly talented.’

He laughed. ‘I wish. No, just following the line.’

‘Do you do this for a living then?’

He shook his head. ‘No, just do it twice a

week to help out the kids’ football team.’

‘Oh, that’s nice. So, do you have another job?’