Kathryn Nicolai

Romance and cheer are important, even when you're by yourself.

I poured a glass of iced tea

and watched cars going past from the kitchen window.

I got lost in my imagination for a moment, staring out at the traffic.

One car going straight, another turning, and I stood wondering where they were going on this lovely afternoon.

I had that flash of understanding that sometimes happens when we step outside our own perspectives.

That every person is the main character of their own story.

And we move in and out of the frame of others' stories.

as supporting characters or background players.

But we never really know any story but our own.

I set my glass down, and my gaze fell on the calendar, stuck with a magnet to the side of the fridge.

Weeks ago, I'd written in today's block of space, Concert in the Park, 6 p.m.

I looked at my watch and saw that it was a quarter till.

I'd have just enough time to walk into town and find a spot on a bench by the stage.

I pulled my bag over my shoulder and tied my sneakers on and started in a brisk pace toward the park.

It felt good to walk fast and feel the warm air skimming over my skin.

I looked into front yards as I passed.

noticing different flowers and ground cover and leafy green perennials.

There was an old house on a corner just by the park that had giant stone planters on either side of the front walkway.

And I stopped a moment to appreciate the elephant ears growing on long, slim stems.