Being Apathetic Isn’t the Answer? by Antoinette Gamble
Monday The sun is falling. The streets are empty and the street lights are turning on. Leaves are crunching on the sidewalk. The best time of the day is now. So peaceful and quiet. There is a lone bench up ahead, a calm breeze blows, and the trees still have leaves left on them. This lone sitter is reading a math textbook. The smell of chocolate fills the air and, looking up, there is a girl who appears without a sound which is surprising since the second she’s noticed she starts talking. “Hello! How are you? Whatcha doing?” she says joyfully. Pointing at the book, hoping she will leave. “So, you’re studying. Why are you studying so late? Why are you alone?” she questions, looking like a confused dog. After making a shooing motion and going back to reading, she stands there for a while before deciding the seat is empty. A mumbled “Why are you still here?” floats through the air. “You look lonely and it’s late. I don’t want to walk around alone,” she states, like there is nothing weird going on. One is reading in peace while the other is chatting about anything and everything. An hour passes. The girl follows the loner to leave and chats on the way. Breaking out into a run, the girl keeps following. Exhaustion hits. Giving up and catching a breath, slowing down the pace with annoyance. Right in front is a two-story house. One window is broken and in need of repair. Besides that it is spotless. Walking straight towards the front door, the girl stays on the sidewalk and yells “Goodbye!” The sound of a door slam is heard. Tuesday The sky is cloudy and the wind is blowing. People of all ages are walking by. Some are on their way home while others go to stores or libraries. There are piles of leaves all over the ground. That same bench is up ahead. That blue and yellow bench that is always there. The bench that no one ever sits on. This recluse sits down on the bench, watching people hang out and talk to each other on those green benches in pairs or groups. Suddenly there is a “Hey!” spreading through the air. Looking up and watching her. She is skipping towards 266
