Can You Help Me Rehearse?

A refreshing breeze embraces you as you climb the steps up and out of the underground train station. The early evening sun is hidden behind one of the tall apartment buildings that line this block. It had spent the entire day while you were at work peaking out from the partial cloud cover but now the sky has opened up to an inviting blue with a few more hours until sunset. It puts a smile on your face.

“Not a bad start to the weekend,” you think to yourself.

Your feet stroll along the very familiar route that will take you to the apartment you call home. Four blocks down, three blocks over. With no need to rush you keep the pace of your strides slow, even stopping for a moment to lean against a tree in the corner of a small neighbourhood park. You watch a group of college-aged co-eds setting up a volleyball net. Just three or four years ago you would have been skipping classes to join them. With a chuckle you continue on your way.

“Looks like fun. I’d ask to join if I had some workout clothes instead of casual slacks and a button up shirt.”

You consider whether or not they would take you up on the offer. On first glance they might judge you and turn you away. They don’t want to play with someone mature. Serious. Professional. You certainly want to be seen that way at work. But recently you’ve wondered if your youth has slipped away from you prematurely. About to enter your mid-20s and already your personal life feels a bit stagnant.

Is there still room for adventure in your life? For new things? For being bold?

You are so engrossed with these thoughts that you actually walk past the entrance to your apartment and have to walk back half a block. You swipe your fob over the key reader to get into the building and then climb the four flights of stairs rather than take the elevator (never miss an opportunity to stay toned).

Your key chain jingles as you unlock the door to your unit, 408, and with the relief of another work week done you step inside.