Belated Gestures

A glance at the clock: not even six. Resigned to wakefulness, I pulled on running gear and headed downstairs.

The complex lay hushed in the pre-dawn light. Head down, focused on my rhythm, I nearly collided with another runner.

The runner who had just passed me slowed, turned, and jogged back. "Ms. Delaney?" A voice called out, clear and bright against the quiet morning.

I halted mid-stride, stari