Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Almost




Happy about the new leaf he has turned over but not yet in the shape to run, Will walks to the pharmacy in sky-blue running shoes to buy vitamins.

Strutting through the threshold of the store, his right heel pulls back against the linoleum. Five steps past the cardboard kiosk filled with reading glasses, he feels the same tug.

He sits on the nearest end-cap that divides the baby diapers from the adult ones.  

Looking down Will sees a glob of gum stuck to his sole.
He sighs at the site of his new shoes marred. The fluorescent tubes hum and ooze a dull light on the house key he digs from his pocket.

He pries small bits of gum from his shoe, but they stick to his key. His breathing becomes strained, and his shirt untucks itself from the back of his jeans.


Red faced, Will forgets what he came for. He walks to the refrigerated section, grabs a twelve pack and a frozen pizza, and heads towards the checkout.

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