“Free ice cream! Free ice cream!” the vendor behind the refrigerated cart says.
It’s the happening thing on the plaza today, and everyone in Santa Fe has shown up to cool off on this glorious but hot afternoon.
Everyone who’s been served their frozen concoction has a unique relationship with it. You see, with ice cream around, certain things happen.
It allows you to not say anything – if you wish – to the person you’ve come to eat ice cream with.
It transports families back together.
It never separates from the wrapper.
It’s a powerful prop to demonstrate things.
It’s a sensory sensation after a long journey.
It tastes better when it’s free.
The curative powers of ice cream are still there. Funny how they melt away tension from work, home, family, seriousness, isolation, boredom – even the heat.