The Maidens

A cough rattled in Katie’s chest as she strolled through Central Park on a brisk fall day. As she approached the Untermyer fountain, nostalgia tugged at her heart. She, Marissa, and Lauren had gathered here to plot their futures and enjoy the water. Some of us got what we wanted, Katie thought as she coughed again. Marissa had recently left New York; Katie had learned of Lauren’s promotion yesterday. As water splashed, Katie stifled a sob; she’d call them soon to break the news. She, Marissa, and Lauren would always be the maidens: always happy, always young, dancing together forever.