5. Monkeys and icecream

Once they made it through the entrance of the zoo, Abby asked Ed, “So lions, tigers, bears, or elephants first?”
“Hmm. How about monkeys?” Ed asked.
“Monkeys it is,” Abby said, putting on her sunglasses.
Colorado definitely did have 300 days of sunshine a year. It had been a milder summer than usual and Abby was grateful it was wasn’t yet in the 90’s. She pulled out sunscreen from her backpack and began to smear it on her arms and neck.
Ed watched her apply the thick white lotion and chuckled. “You are prepared,” he said, reminding himself that getting out of bed each morning was all he could manage lately. He had been battling a deep depression after the mess with his ex and he wished that there was a lotion to protect from depression. He was still afraid of the depression overtaking him, but the fear seemed a little less being with Abby that day.
“Fair skinned,” Abby replied matter of factly and finished her sunscreen application.
They walked to the outdoor monkey enclosure and watched intently some of the monkeys who were enjoying themselves.
“Pretty silly, huh?” asked Abby.
“That one looks pretty pathetic,” Ed said, pointing.
“Nah, he’s just got a grooming problem,” she laughed.
“Kind of looks like me,” Ed said.
“I don’t think so,” Abby responded, stifling a giggle.
Ed sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He didn’t even remember getting dressed that morning. He looked down at himself. At least, he had managed to find a t-shirt and shorts that were clean.
Abby saw Ed looking at himself and shaking his head. She grabbed him by the arm and looped her arm in his. “Let’s go get some junk food,” she said.
Ed stared at her with a confused look on his face.
“You know. Junk food. Cotton candy, ice cream, candy bar?” she said, pulling Ed along the path with her.
“I don’t know,” he grumbled.
“I’m not a fan, but maybe some chili cheese fries?” she offered.
“I don’t have much of an appetite these days,” Ed said.
“Are you watching your figure?” she asked, giggling.
“No,” he said with a little chuckle.

They sat at a small table under umbrellas. Abby had an ice cream cone and Ed decided on a hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and all. Since Abby had less to eat, she finished first and watched Ed. Maybe it was her imagination, but he looked somewhat less sad.