Tuesday, July 10, 2007

stuck

I packed my things for work, got my bike from the balcony, and headed for the door. I stopped in my tracks. Did I leave my stove on? I backed up a couple of steps and craned my neck to look into the kitchen. Stove not on. Something was not right. It came to me that I should call my mother. I leaned my bike up against the wall by the door and walked over to the phone and dialed.

"Hello?"

"Hi Mom."

"Oh hi sweetie."

"What are you doing?"

"Just parked my car and I'm walking to pilates - running late. What about you?"

"I'm about to bike to work", I told her, standing there with my helmet on, waiting for something to click; to feel better.

"It's nice and sunny here finally. How is it there?"

"Sunny", I answer, mildly irritated by the small talk. I shift my weight.

"Well that's good! We've had terrible weather."

I don't say anything for a moment.

"Ok Mom. Have fun at pilates. I'll talk to you later?"

"Ok Rachel, ride safe."

I hung up and stood there. I felt like I just gave my mother the final conversation she would replay over and over again and I started to feel bad that I was short with her. I considered calling her back. A second try. Smooth it over, but I changed my mind. You can't keep second guessing yourself. But seriously, maybe I should leave my bike at home. Take the subway. I mean, why take the chance? But things happen on the subway too. A few years ago, a girl was pushed into an oncoming train at King Station by a crazy man. Trains get bombed. Train switches jam. Trains collide.

3 comments:

Transcience said...

I don't like the clouds around when you talk about other people's bringing up the weather.

Anonymous said...

I just happened upon your site. Like your stories and your writing.

I definitiely know those "what if" moments.

(S)wine said...

yea, the subway.
i seem to have picked up a nasty stomach virus off that, which had me laid out all day yesterday (travelling, fun fun) and overnight with convulsions, dehydration, 102 F temp. and profuse sweating. my bed was drenched this morning and i was shivering uncontrollably; thinking i should call 911 bec. i am going to pass out.
so yea, take the subway...what could happen?
(note: my immune system is out of practice w/public trans. and i've not used it in over 7 yrs.)