Outside, it had stopped snowing but  the night air was still chilly.

     “Do you mind if I say something personal?”

     “Say what you want, Victor, I’m all yours for the night.”  She grinned.

     “Are you…married?”  She stopped in her tracks abruptly and slapped him.

     “Did I say something to upset you, Katrina?”  He asked, innocently, after which she burst out in tears.

     “Listen to me, Katrina.  I realise that we only met an hour or so back, but from the moment I saw your face in the park, that was…”

     “You’re a cruel man, Victor; very cruel.  Cold and heartless and…”

     “I can’t live without you.”

     “Well, we’ll see about that!” Katrina stormed off to find a solitary place to dry her tears.  Victor was about to turn and follow, but she had vanished.  He cursed his fate and headed towards The Cafe House.

     On arrival, a young lady dressed in a pink uniform, approached him.

     “What’s the matter, Victor?”  “Another disastrous love affair?”

     “Look, Sandra, I’m in no mood for a conversation.  A coffee please.”

     “One black coffee without sugar.  Anything else?”

     “Yes.  You can go!”  She poked out her tongue at him, rushing to the kitchen.

     “Why do these things always happen to me!?”  Complained Victor, to himself.  He banged the table with both his fists.  Sandra returned with the coffee. 

     “I’ve warned you so many times in the past to stop chasing after women you don’t know.  Now come on, who is she this time?”

     “She, as you put it, has a name; Katrina; and she isn’t married for your kind information.”  Well, I certainly hope not.  Look, Sandra, this isn’t just another affair.  I think I’ve really hit upon love this time.  I want to…marry her.”   Sandra burst out laughing and patted Victor on his back. 

     “You dummy.  I cannot believe my ears.  The girl’s a mental case!”

     “How dare you talk about my Katrina like that!?”

     “You want to know something else?  Her husband died several years ago.”  Suddenly, the reality of the situation dawned over him.  There was no pain or sorrow, just peace and salvation.  Victor’s eyes met Sandra’s , almost in gratitude.

     “Sandra; you’re using finesse, aren’t you?”

     “Call it what you like, Victor Yemen, but you’re not the only one who’s had an unlucky day.”

     Victor’s face twisted in confusion.

     “What’s that supposed to mean!?”

     Sandra’s eyes widened like an owl’s and she replied,

     “I suppose you do realise, that it’s Friday the 13th.”

End of 3