HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2014-04-02, Page 7It's the simple things
- a short story
Colton McKay
Special to News Record
'What could be more romantic than fate?' I thought to myself
idly while I lay in bed, the early dawn light pouring through my
window. It's one of those thoughts that strike out of the blue while
one drifts between dream and reality. The kind of thought that
changes everything. We've all been there. It's a human thing.
At the moment, the answer eluded me, so I set aside the ques-
tion. Instead, I hopped out of bed to take on the day. Shower,
shave, and eat breakfast. All those little things we have to do to
survive day-to-day. Can't live until you survive.
Standing in front of the mirror, I pause to look at myself as I do
every morning. I do this to make sure that I can still live with
myself It has been my personal experience that after making bad
choices, I tend not to like to look at myself. My conscience rebel-
ling I believe.
My name is Joshua Graves. I'm a young man in his prime of
mid twenties (though that's arguable, as many great men hit their
stride after forty) and I enjoy all the little things in life. The subtle-
ties and vagaries which to me, are a blessing.
I'm silly and romantic, with a touch of selfishness. Lucky I had
such good parents to steer me right. That selfish qualitywould no
doubt have been much greater. And I really don't know what I
want out of life, except for passion and love. But for an actual job,
a way to make a living? I have no clue. I've tried various jobs, all of
which started out looking bright, but lost their luster over time. So
I drink coffee and think Like the philosophers of old did, minus
the coffee.
"You deserve to be free:' My voice echoes through the small
bathroom. I think it sounds pleasant, but I could be wrong. With a
smile I finish my mantra. "That and fried chicken" It reminds me
of my spirit and my humour. Works for me.
I pop out of the house, eager for the lazy Sunday ahead. I'd call
it a day off, but I don't have those. I believe that such days are
reserved for working on yourself. Questions and answers. Self
love. A hot cup of coffee. The simple things in life. Most of my Sun-
days look the same. The lovelylittle town of Clinton Ontario greets
me as I step off of the porch. Life greets me: birds chirping, squir-
rels jumping through trees, kind people walking their dogs,
friendly greetings from complete strangers. The kind of life you
just don't see in big cities. Here in this town, I feel at peace.
My destination is the local Tim Horton's. I find myself arriving
at my destination quickly, occupied as I was with my thoughts. I
go in and order a cup of coffee, triple triple. I don't enjoy drinking
bitter black bile, so sue me. I thank the staff and take my seat by
the window. Love a window seat. I look completely oblivious to
everyone. Which is fine, I like to watch and listen when people
don't think I am. You can leam a lot that way.
It doesn't matter though, because a pretty lady walks in. I perk
up and watch with interest as she takes her order. Long skirt,
blouse, ponytail and a pretty smile. I catch her big brown eyes and
wave her over with a smile. She nods and smiles back, scooping
up her tea as she walks my way.
"Hi I'm Mary." She says softly as she takes her seat. I notice her
blush faintly.
"Joshua" I reply. "I'm a little surprised you came over here."
She giggled. It was quite endearing. "Would you believe me if I
said that just this morning I would approach the very next man
who caught my eye?"
"Yes I'd believe it. MayI askwhy?" I say.
She blushes again and looks away. "I don't get approached
often. Or ever really!'
"I'm glad I got to be the lucky guy." I wink at her. Mary looks as
surprised as I feel.
I don't remember much of the conversation beyond that. She
only stays for a few minutes, but I get her phone number and
promise to all her later in the evening. She surprises me by kissing
my cheek. A pleasant surprise.
As she walks out the door, the answer hits me. 'What could be
more romantic than fate?' "Freewill:' I whisper to myself. Choos-
ing to spend your time with a particular person, day after day,
simply because you like them.
I sit back with a huge grin and sip my coffee. Another day,
another lesson.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014 • News Record
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