I waited on the corner of my beloved’s favorite street, hoping he would soon pass by. The stream of cars rushed by me, some slowing to look at me, my clothes drenched from the splattering rain. I wished I’d brought my umbrella. I would’ve looked them in the eyes boldly, but instead, I kept my head low. I must have looked awful, even though only 15 minutes had passed. The street lights changed from red to green. I was relieved when they turned green. People walked by me and saw nothing unusual, from what I could tell. A couple stopped nearby to argue over whether they should hail a cab or take the subway. She was stunning with her long black hair tucked loosely under her cashmere hat. Her serious brown eyes were only a few feet away from me, but she barely saw me there. She was so involved in her cause. He was tall, but I couldn’t see his face. His long trenchcoat waved in the rain-whipped wind. It made him look mysterious and intriguing. He held a large black umbrella over her head. A yellow cab pulled up to the curb and she dove in it like a mad dog. She was quick and quite clever. He closed the umbrella with some reluctance and slowly joined her in the cab. The cabbie pulled into traffic and they blended in to the rest of the city.
The cold air began to bite at my fingers and I drew them tightly into little fists and tucked them into my coat pockets, trying to act nonchalant. I felt more exposed now.
There he is! My heart began to pick up speed! I stood straighter and felt my confidence grow with each second. He exited the building and walked to the corner. His walk was purposeful, each step a deliberation of knowledge. He pulled his collar up around his neck and dug his face into his coat. He didn’t have an umbrella either.
He crossed over to my side of the street. I was fully aware of my staring, but I didn’t care. He came towards me. I deliberately stepped in front of him.
“Pardon me,” he said, as he stepped around me.
I had his voice! It was all I needed. I could go home now.
Inspired by a book I found in the Bargain section of Barnes & Noble.
The book is titled, “Creative Writer’s Notebook: 20 Great Authors & 70 Writing Exercises.” The author of the book is John Gillard. I bought this book for only $8.98.
The story you just read is based on an exercise from the book. I wrote Pardon Me as part of an interior monologue, an exercise in the book. If you need a little jolt to get those creative juices flowing, I highly recommend this book.
I’ll be back. Stay tuned.
Merry Christmas
Books and Dreams 