Without a Second Glance

It happened before in this neighborhood and it will happen again. It still surprises me.

This time of year the hardest decision before an early walkie is which jacket to wear. The daffodils showed their bright yellow faces last week, perhaps the last frost is behind us. The long parka stays in the closet.

I set out with one of the terriers, minding my own business. The dog and I round a peaceful Mayberry corner where a sky-high evergreen grows. It appears we are not alone. In the distance standing in a driveway, I see a tall figure. I’m too far away to determine whether or not it’s moving towards us or away from us.

The dog checks her pee email. Birds chirp, a woodpecker tap tap taps. East of me I hear the muffled sound of traffic on a busier road. I tug the leash and we continue forward. The figure seems stationary. I’m half awake and not feeling social. I take a few more steps and realize why the figure has not moved.

It’s Thursday, and Thursday is trash day. My eyes concede this match to the large trash container. I tip my chin as we pass and carry on.

What surprised you this week? Tell me about it.

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