Simple Walk

I open my eyes as the alarm clock pulls me out of a sweet-smelling, loud dream. Fumbling to feel for the off button, I roll over, placing one foot firmly on the floor. I prop myself up on both feet gingerly; my right ankle still hurt, but not as sore as I had anticipated. I fumble around in the darkness until I can reach the light switch.

The hot water of the shower feels good after last night. I didn't see the box on the stairs; everyone it seems complains about the lighting in the hallways of my apartment complex. The nurse said I was lucky to be ok after falling down the way I did. She had an odd smell about her though, one I had only recognized on men. Maybe she was a he, who knows. One thing is for sure, I really need to move to the first floor.

First I put on the shirt, then the pants, then the socks; same routine every day for as far back as I can remember. Others must think I'm crazy when they see me out and about, I just tell them I really like to match.

Today looks promising as I step outside and begin my daily breakfast ritual, the trip to the bagel shop. I put on my sunglasses as a cool breeze washes over my face, countering the heat from the sun. As I stroll along I can't help but think back to a neighbor who came with me one afternoon a few months back. She asked me why I didn't take the bus. I chuckled and replied "you should have seen me do this the first time."

The sounds of children playing interrupted my daydreaming and meant I was nearing the destination of my journey. As I made my way past the basketball courts, the smell of sweat and sounds of gamesmanship filled the air as the match between the Johnson brothers was well under way.

Swish!

"Nice three pointer Johnny!" I yell

"Thanks Mr. Parker!" An excited Johnny Johnson replies.

Of course I get to the bagel shop too late and my usual table by the window is taken. I can hear her talking on her phone, it sounds disinteresting, a conversation someone younger would be having I deduce. I turn my attention to a couple fighting across the shop, talking in heavy-handed whispers. The scent of the raisin mixed in with the butter and sour cream stirs up my stomach as it begs for food and competes with my craving for people watching. I better sit and eat.

It always makes me wonder why I finish my breakfast so quickly. I do have the whole day after all to do whatever I like. Today I decide to take a walk through the park.

I wave to Sam, the shop owner who makes the best bagels in town as I make my retreat to the splendor of the gorgeous afternoon. Suddenly, I feel a rush of air. Whoosh!

I am almost hit in the face with the door but catch it with my wrist, a reaction to the warning sign, a sore arm to go along with my sore ankle.

"I'm really sorry sir, I didn't know" she said.

I recognized her as the young woman at my usual table and could sense the sincerity and compassion in her tone. If I believed in conspiracies, I would surmise both actions were deliberate, taking a regular's usual seat and then add injury to insult by not holding the door open for...

"I was in a hurry...I didn't notice."

"It's ok." I say as I shake off the surprise, smile in her direction, and begin the walk to the park, slowly swinging my cane back and forth in the air ahead of me.