At The Park

At the Park

“Excuse me?” said a voice. Jane jumped!

“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you! You seemed distressed.”

Jane looked at the lady she had passed a few minutes ago, bumped into actually. She had apologized, but thought it was really the woman’s own fault. She looked a hundred years old, skinny, dressed in the plain clothes of the older generation. Shaking her head, Jan quickly said, “No, I’m fine.”

The woman stared for an extra second and then said, “My name is Alice. I’ve been watching you. You are certainly not fine. You seem to have misplaced something and you’re scared about it. Maybe I can help. What are we looking for?”

Jane was panicking. Though she didn’t know this person, she knew she could use some help. “I’ve apparently dropped my wallet.”

“Oh, dear! Let me help you look! What color is it. When did you see it last? I know this park well, it’s probably still where you dropped it. The crowds don’t come in till after two, usually.”

Jane gave in, smiling she gave her the info, the woman promised to look as she walked. “How about if I find it, I’ll call you. I have a phone, just jot down your number,” she handed Jane a piece of paper and a pen. They parted ways. Jane along the path she’d been following, the old woman the other way.

When the old woman got to the parking lot she got into a large car, with a driver.

“How did you do?” the driver said.

“I got a wallet; cash, credit cards, we can stop for gas now!”

“You are so good at this!” the driver said.

“I couldn’t do it without you Honey,” Jane smiled, happily.

The driver smiled back, and said, “Thanks, Mom!”