Member-only story
My day had started like any other — tired, yet ready to tackle the tasks ahead. It was a routine morning until a spontaneous decision took me down an unfamiliar road. Instead of my usual walking path, I found myself driving to a hidden pier with just enough of a glimpse of the water to calm my mind.
Normally, I would have my headphones on to block out the world’s noise, but today, they felt too tight, causing discomfort. I decided to let the sounds of nature be my soundtrack. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to strangers on my personal time, and today was no different. Yet, fate had other plans.
A slightly chubby man, no taller than 5’8”, made eye contact with me. I quickly looked away, but it was too late. He limped over, and I felt a pang of frustration at being chosen for a conversation. However, I embraced the moment and greeted him with a casual smile and hello.
First thing out of his mouth was, “My wife would kill me right now; she hates when I walk up to strangers and start talking to them… leave them alone… but I can’t help it.” We both burst into laughter. The mood lightened instantly. I scanned the area, half-expecting his wife to appear, ready to rescue me from the interaction, but she was nowhere in sight. I sighed inwardly and resigned myself to the conversation.
