Khaki man

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Khaki Man Lisa zipped up her jacket, because even though it was only a few days into October, the air had a distinct, biting chill to it that was uncharacteristic even to Vermont. Teddy, her Australian Shepherd, however, didn’t seem to mind as he bounded up the trail leading into the musty, green forest. She set off behind him, taking large, energetic strides, happy to have broken the habit of working on Saturdays. She thought that owning her own bakery would mean there would be plenty of time to hike the mountains, sustained by her sweet, flakey creations. Instead, it actually meant waking up before the sun rose and staying at the bakery long after closing to prepare for the following day. And yet she still felt like she was falling farther and farther behind. She finally admitted to having cabin fever and decided to take Teddy up Burnt Meadow Mountain. Lisa was shaken from her daydreaming by Teddy’s shrill bark. For a big dog he certainly didn’t sound like it. Lisa looked in the direction of his pointed gaze and saw a man, much farther up the trail. Was it Lisa’s imagination, or was he dressed entirely in khaki? A forest ranger maybe? She thought little of it, but Teddy tensed and refused to avert his gaze, small whining sounds just audible from the back of his throat. But soon, the man disappeared and Lisa returned to her mindless meanderings. With only the sound of her own footsteps and the occasional birdcall, Lisa thought about her life. She was doing well, owning a business and all, but it felt like something had yet to be done. There was a single outstanding item on the to-do list of life. She looked at Teddy and hated to admit it to herself, but he was her everything. Without someone to share her life with, and no family left, he was the only thing she had aside from her work. It seemed silly and ill advised to treat a dog like a close confidant and even your child, but there she was. Acknowledging her

© Alison Coolidge 2015


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