By noon, the rain and gloom from this morning had been transformed into warm
sun and blue skies. There was a substantial breeze, blowing autumn and leaves and acorns all over the city. I walked
up to the bank to deposit a few checks, and once there, I just found myself ambling North on Wisconsin Avenue
toward the Washington National Cathedral. I wanted to walk in the autumn air and hear the bells on the wind.
Once at the Cathedral I examined the news antennas and the reporters scattered everywhere. My arms folded in
front of me, I made my way to Woodley Avenue and walked around the block. It wasn't until I started home that the bells began
to sound: one somber chime after the other.
I found myself kicking an acorn along the empty sidewalk in time
with each chime. Happy to be focussed in a way I haven't been since childhood. Crisscrossing the sidewalk.
Listening to my shoe scuffing along the concrete. Feeling innocent. Even carefree.
Without noticing, I kicked my tiny bauble into the path of a passerby. Slightly embarrassed, I hugged the brick wall to my right
to let him pass. But he had caught me at my game, and called for me to wait, as he kicked up the little nut
and sent it sailing back into my path.
We shared a smile. And that moment. And today, that seems like the world.
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