Red Sails in the Sunset

Romantic sunsets are seen from the Lake View Hotel in town. Last Friday night, Frank, Ian and I stopped in for a bite to eat and to meet Ugutu, a co-worker. We drink a cold Tusker and read the menu; Goat, chicken, chips, crisps, ugali... It's the same menu every time. The only physical menu the Lake View Hotel owns. While it's laminated, the plastic has weakened, especially at the bent corners, so grease has soaked up under the laminate. Frank orders an omelette with chips (fries), Ian orders lamb and I ask for their roasted potatoes, so tasty and filling.

While waiting for our food, we notice through the tall, screen doors how the light is receding over the lake. A sprawling, gnarled tree across the street stands black against the red glow of the sunset. The lake sparkles in spots where the light hasn't died. Two couples in the room with us snuggle in their respective comfortable, couch-like seats. Bryan Adams sings out through the speaker mounted high on the wall. Then Elton John and Cindy Lauper and U2, all love songs. How romantic; me, Frank, Ian and a gorgeous glowing of the night sky. I'm sure we're each thinking of the person we'd most like to share this sunset with.

I am.

We get a good laugh at our romantic dinner and sing along with Bryan and Cindy and Elton until the lake goes to sleep and the sprawling, gnarled tree across the way fades, then disappears.