a stranger

We all drive through life,

with a hate for the road,

and a love for the journey.

I’d seen my fair share of eventful side shows... but never a doppelganger like this.

They stared at me from the side pavement, suitcase and dog in hand, looking at me like they knew me, but as someone I’d never met. A horseshoe of a figure all backwards.

We traded a glance that lasted an eternity

(or a mere moment).

I’m still deciding.

It was a stop I made a dozen times before and would never make again as they entered my basket case.

They had a peculiar smell of faintness.

Airy, soft, yet harsh to the senses.

I remember the look, and the touch as I knew they wanted to glance my hand, yet only did so verbally.

It was a cold time,

filled with the sunlight I’d always longed for,

and would never get.

I couldn’t wait to drop them off.

Not because the company wasn’t worth the drive, but because the pain was too much to keep inside the glovebox.

I couldn’t wait to drop them off,

just to see where they were going.

I couldn’t wait to drop them off,

so I knew where to return to for the next dozen times I’d pick them up.

So I dropped them off.

And I’ll see them tomorrow.