Kathryn Nicolai

then cut a vase's worth of tiger lilies and set them on the table by the front door, pulling out one extra bloom and setting it into a bud vase for my bedside table.

I'd had a sweetheart years ago who always did this for me.

A vase of flowers on the table and one blossom by the bed.

And I'd found it to be so romantic and cheerful.

that I'd kept the habit for myself ever since.

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 still 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.