In the same year that Mark and Sandy graduated from college, they went to work in the Biology Department. Mark and Sandy were noticeably different, not only physically, but in personality also. Where Mark was tall, sharp featured, soft-spoken and reticent, Sandy was small in stature and features, was both out-spoken and gregarious. But, like opposite poles of a magnet, they were drawn to each other.

Not long after starting working together, they fell in love. Whenever they went out, Mark always followed behind Sandy, and this puzzled her. Sandy finally asked, “Why don’t you walk shoulder to shoulder with me, don’t you love me, Mark?”

He smiled at first, and then replied, “That to walk behind you would be my greatest pleasure.”

As time went by, her feelings changed, and Mark began to irritate her. When they walked outside, he would point out mud puddles, or which side a car was coming on. Sometimes he would pull her to the side so that a motorbike could pass. Sandy didn't like it when he spoke to her in a soft voice, and felt he was being overprotective.

Soon, Mark asked her to marry him, which made Sandy worry.

Sandy was not able to make a decision; so she talked to her best friend Mary about it. Mary advised her not to marry him, because she thought his behavior was odd. Mary added that Sandy should marry a man who preferred to walk on her left, so that he could keep her as long as he lived.

Sandy decided to marry Mark. However his habits didn’t change, he would always follow her wherever they went. She thought he was cowardly, and lost interest in him, even hated him. They quarreled, and six months later Sandy divorced him.

Sandy rented a house that wasn’t far from Mark. Occasionally he called to ask if she needed any help from him. Yet the more he called, the more distant she felt about him.

One day she felt ill, and stayed in bed. She found herself like a bird without wings, and her eyes began to tear up. When she heard a knock on the door, Sandy struggled to her feet and opened the door. To her surprise, it was Mark.

“I heard that you were ill, so I got some medicine for you. I hope it will do you good, Sandy” Mark said in his soft voice, handing her a bottle of medicine.

Puzzled, Sandy asked, “How did you know I have been ill? We have been apart for so long.”

He replied softly, “I asked some friends how you were and they said you were sick.”

At the New Year, Sandy went to her mother’s house for the holiday. When they would go out, her mother let Sandy walk in front of her. This made Sandy ask, “Mum, why do you walk behind me?”

Her mother smiled, “that way I will have the whole of you in my sight.”

Sandy thought of Mark, and tears filled her eyes. When she returned home, she called Mark and excitedly asked, “Hi Mark, what are you doing now?”

“Sandy. It’s nice to hear from you!” he replied.

“Would you like to come over, and have a drink with me?” Her voice trembled as she spoke.

“I’m sorry. I can’t. I’m going to meet my girlfriend,” he said in a soft, yet clear voice.

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