I stood aimlessly looking out the window while waiting for the water to boil for my tea. It was an odd sort of day. The skies were grey but the temperatures were warm. Some of the trees were completely bare and their naked branches clutched at the sky like scraggly fingers. Other trees were full with fall color having survived the few bits of rain and wind of the season.
As I watched the odd little pattern the naked and full trees made, a silver SUV pulled into a slot across the street. The tires bumped the curb making a soft thud. The driver then backed up a bit lopsided and once again hit the curb, as though he were trying to drive over it. My spine tingled as I moved a bit closer to the glass to investigate.
The car was not moving but the taillights were on. I squinted in an effort to see the license plate. Another minute passed and I was certain that the driver was a crazy, inebriated ex who was planning to drive his car through my neighbor’s front door. My mind raced ahead as I mentally planned grabbing my shoes running down the stairs and out the door to save my neighbor from disaster. “Oh no, what if one of the children goes running by,” I thought with panic rising. I would have to move fast but I was sure I could do it.
I moved a little to the side watching the unmoving car. A few moments later the door opened. My mind raced wildly with dizzying questions – Should I call 911? Should I get my bat? I kept watching the car as I plotted to take down the murderer or at the very least call the police.
The minutes ticked away and by now the kettle was boiling. I ignored the sound and kept watching. The door was still open and I saw a shoulder emerge and then disappear back inside the car. Several moments passed and then the figure slowly emerged. I held my breath, watching and waiting. Finally, the door began to close and I drew in my breath, waiting to see the crazed mad man whom I would soon have to take down.
He was hunched over and moving slowly, shuffling really, using his cane to find the ground in front of him before taking a step. My crazed mad man was a sweet little old man who clearly had a little trouble with his eyesight!
Wendi, isn’t Fred hysterical! I was laughing my head off too. He is also good at making you think, check out his blog! You are also right, there is a lesson…hmm that may just be tomorrow’s post! 🙂
Fred just cracked me up! I’m laughing my head off.
Karen that is great story. And also a great story about how we make rash judgments about people and situations before we don’t have all the facts.
There is a great lesson in here!
Fred, lol! Yes, yes, yes! I am going to be watching the road very carefully for my little madman!
Hi Ulla, oooh, lovely new avatar photo! Are those new glasses? They look great!
Thank you for sharing in the fun Ulla, you always bring a smile to my face.
Hi Joanna! So glad to make you smile! The night before I watched the Wizard of Oz! I think all the colors in the movie coupled with the munchkins may have creeped me out a little! LOL!
Hi Alina! LOL! From one ninja warrior to another, we could easily take down bad guys. 🙂 I am amazed at how our minds can conjure up the funniest things and you’re right it’s a mix of what we’ve experienced, seen and read. Not hard to tell that I am a huge fan of action and mystery. 🙂
Hi Conor, I’m so glad I made you smile too! Isn’t it funny how our minds can go racing off in the wildest directions? LOL!
Hi Lillie! So glad I was able to make you smile! 🙂 The headline was fun to write and I’m glad it got your attention!
And then I screamed realizing his driver’s license won’t expire for another two years….. 🙂 Thanks for getting the blood moving this dreary Monday morning.
.-= Fred H Schlegel´s last blog ..Creative Launch Pad | The Little House =-.
Thanks for sharing this story, Karen – full of suspense, beautifully told and the end is lovely!
.-= Ulla Hennig´s last blog ..The Beauty of Autumn =-.
My goodness Karen, have you been watching too many horror movies?! Thanks for making me smile this Monday 🙂
.-= Joanna Young´s last blog ..Exploring How I Write to a Theme =-.
Oh, Karen, I was also ready to take a bat and start saving people while reading this! Our imagination, fueled by fear, movies and personal experience is always ready to make complicated, thrilling, action movies, isn’t it?
.-= Alina Popescu´s last blog ..PR people, stop being sloppy and pay attention to details! =-.
Hey Karen,
I love it. What a great example of the stories our imagination conspires with our fears to create.
Like Lillie, this made me smile 🙂
Conor
Karen,
Your headline is a real attention-grabber, and your story put a smile on my face. 🙂
.-= Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..I Love to Write Day =-.