Crossing Paths. 05. Getting in Shape

Crossing Paths, Episode 5: Getting in Shape

It’s Wednesday afternoon. The local gym is busy. Weights clank, treadmills hum, and music plays over the speakers. Thomas wipes the sweat from his forehead and sits down on a bench. He’s just finishing his workout when someone walks up to him.

Cathy: Tom?

Thomas: Uh… yeah? Cathy?

Cathy: Wow. Haha, it is you! Long time no see! How have you been?

Thomas: I’m great! It’s so good to see you. How’s life?

Cathy: I’m good. What are you doing here?

Thomas: I just moved back, actually. I’m still settling in.

Cathy: No way. You’re back for good?

Thomas: I think so.

Cathy: That’s crazy. How long has it been since you left?

Thomas: Around nine years.

Cathy: Wow, that’s a long time. How does it feel to be back?

Thomas: It feels really good. I’m really happy to be here.

Cathy: Yeah, I know what you mean. I was away for a while too.

Thomas: Oh really? Where were you?

Cathy: China. I spent two years in Shanghai.

Thomas: Shanghai? Nice! That’s impressive. What did you do there?

Cathy: I was teaching English. It was pretty intense.

Thomas: Wow, I can imagine.

Cathy: Yeah. Long hours, big classes, lots of energy. It was exhausting. But it was exciting too.

Thomas: Sounds amazing. But you’re not going back, are you?

Cathy: Nah, two years is enough. As my mom keeps saying, it’s “time to settle down.”

Thomas: You’re still pretty young.

Cathy: Yeah, but tell that to my mom. According to her, I should already be married with two kids.

Thomas: Haha that’s classic. So… when are you getting married?

Cathy: Well, when I find someone.

Thomas: I’m sure you get tons of offers all the time.

Cathy: Thanks, that’s sweet… but no. Trust me, my dating life is kind of a horror story. How about you? Wife? Kids?

Thomas: Nope. None of that. There was someone a while ago. We almost got married. But… it didn’t work out.

Cathy: Ah, I’m sorry.

Thomas: It’s okay. It was the right decision in the end.

Cathy: Well, a young, successful guy like you… I don’t see the problem. There were always pretty girls around you. Oh, I remember you dating Helen Brooks. You were such a cute couple.

Thomas: I guess we were…

Cathy: She’s with Mark now. Do you know him? Mark Grayson?

Thomas: No… I don’t think so.

Cathy: That guy’s bad news. I don’t know what she sees in him.

Thomas: So… they’re married?

Cathy: No, but they’ve been dating for over a year, I think. Anyway, I never took you for a gym rat.

Thomas: Yeah, me neither. I’ve gotten a little out of shape. I… I should probably do something about it.

Cathy: Honestly, you look fine to me.

Thomas: Thanks, but I feel really weak. But you look like you come here a lot.

Cathy: Actually, I do. It’s my favorite gym.

Gym member: Hi, Cathy!

Another gym member: Hey, Cathy! Sorry we’re late!

Cathy: Hey, guys! I’ll be there in a sec!

Cathy: Listen, I’ve gotta go. My clients are here.

Thomas: Clients?

Cathy: Yeah. I’m a personal trainer here.

Thomas: That explains a lot.

Cathy: I hope to see you around here soon.

Thomas: You will. It’s my favorite gym now, too.