our cars were parked two spaces away from each other. he, in a white toyota camry, me, in my white acura. i thought i was the only one who had parking lot picnics, but the man was eating his lunch, too -- something from mcdonald's, just across the street. he lifted his burger to his mouth, dug into the bag for fries and took long sips of whatever it was he was drinking. i was tempted to back up and park in the space beside him, but i let him eat in peace.

--lunchtime in the mall parking lot