Stranger in lover's garb

A strange experience yesterday.

token_otter had come out of Toronto to spend a few days, first in Kitchener with themacbear and gr8grizz and their two new partners. I drove over to pick Steven up and bring him back to Guelph for a day. I have been friends with David and Kevin for years, but this was my first opportunity to meet Mark and Jeff, modern_mark and veganbear1970.

When I arrived, Dave and Mark were there, while the others had gone shopping. Dave made me some tea and three of us sat chatting.

When the others returned, Jeff walked through the door and said hi. I stepped forward, we hugged in greeting, and he said something in my ear. I don't remember the words. I almost fell down.

Jeff and Mark moved here from North Carolina last spring. Not only is Jeff's accent similar to dakoopst's, but their voices are identical. Add to that a strong physical resemblance: same height, beard and hairline, similar mannerisms.

It was like stepping forward to embrace a stranger and finding Stephen in my arms again. Surprising, a little painful, but also wonderful. This morning, I'm still burning with the sensation.

Admittedly, I could hardly take my eyes off Jeff all afternoon. He has a great smile. He and Mark are very nice, another good reason to visit the boys in Kitchener more often.