Amy, the college-aged jogger

Amy runs track at college, and when she’s home during summer, you see her jogging past your front lawn every morning, bare legs flashing, ponytail bouncing. She’s Asian, about twenty, with a runner’s slim, lithe build, and an easy laugh.

You’re dressed for a run yourself, in a t-shirt and shorts, and you head out into the neighborhood, choosing a route that will cross Amy’s path. It isn’t long before you hear her sneakers on the sidewalk, and when you glance back, you see her rounding the corner, heading your way. She’s wearing her usual college logo shirt and brightly colored shorts, and she draws up alongside you, slowing her pace to match yours. “You picked the wrong time to come out for a run” she says, a little breathlessly. “It feels like it’s going to rain.”

“You’re out here,” you point out.

“Yes. But I’m crazy.” Then she smiles. “Hey! It’s your birthday today, isn’t it?”

You try not to grin too widely. “Yep.”

“Hmm. In that case, I owe you a present.” She takes another look at the gray sky, and at the trees that are starting to sway in the rising wind.