A Gentle Pause

Stepping down from the bus onto the sidewalk was steady work, but I managed without disturbing my cargo. The morning street had a brisk rhythm, with commuters hurrying toward their days, so I slipped quietly into the glass bus shelter to let them pass. I set down on the wooden bench, resting my open cardboard box on my lap. A dry maple leaf drifted in and brushed against the bottom of my shoe. I simply leaned back, taking a moment to watch the crosswalk signals change and admire the neat sugar border on my cookie cake, feeling very settled in this corner of the neighborhood.