Signature

A short prose piece inspired by Peter McGraw's Solo podcast episode, "Waiting." A widower is infinitely more attractive than a never-married person, as our protagonist proves.

There was word of a widower in Pine Hills, the gated community for senior citizens.  Peter, a grey-haired man in his 70s, had lost Elizabeth, his wife of thirty years.  All the widows in the complex brought him casseroles and pastries until he coupled with Gretchen.  Upon doing so, he placed Elizabeth’s pictures in storage.
 
Peter had been a graphic designer.  His specialty was altering stock photos to give them different appearances.  Elizabeth, whom he had gotten from one of his suppliers, was his masterpiece.