Feed the ducks even if they ignore you
I laughed before I realized tears were already rolling down my face.
Feed the ducks even if they ignore you.
At the very bottom he’d written: “Ordinary Tuesdays are where life quietly hides.”
I looked around the park.
Children were chasing pigeons.
Someone walked a sleepy golden retriever.
An elderly couple argued cheerfully over a crossword puzzle.
Life hadn’t paused.
Only I had.
Life hadn’t paused.
***
The following Tuesday, I went to the botanical garden.
Afterward I wandered through the farmers’ market. Bought peaches I didn’t really need.
Then drove to the little ice cream stand on Oakridge Street.
Vanilla.
Thomas had guessed correctly.
It was my favorite.
Thomas had guessed correctly.
On the way home I stopped beside the lake.
The ducks ignored me completely.
I laughed out loud.
People stared.
For once, I didn’t care.
