Morning Stroll

It was one of those fresh spring mornings. Where everything was wet. All surfaces littered with droplets from the clouds that had burst open the previous night. Sparkling in the early sunlight.

This was the time that she cherished the most. When the city hadn't yet woken up. She had always set her alarm clock to go off early. Giving her much more time than she actually needed to get ready for the day. There wasn't much to her routine. A rather quick shower, followed by a brief selection of clothing, usually mismatched - but she made it work, a few minutes in front of the mirror applying some makeup, and then she'd sit, waiting for her coffee to percolate. Usually she'd flip through the morning paper, skimming the articles for something to catch her eye, but most of the time she'd only pay attention to the comics, saving the meat of the periodical for the office.

Once her coffee was gargling in the pot, she'd pour herself a cup, add a gracious spoonful or two of sugar, top it off with half and half and make her way out the door, usually carrying her jacket - ready to throw it on as she went. But today she made sure to put it on before stepping outside. The sky was still grey and ominous. Peering down as if at any moment it could drench her.

As she made her way through the streets, the smell of ozone was heavy in the air. Bringing a smile to her face. Although it was dense, diving into her lungs and almost filling them up too much, it still smelled fresh - letting her know that the warmer seasons were just around the corner. Soon the trees would have their leaves back. The grass would be vibrant. Flowers would begin to sprout - tossing their perfumes into the air. And just after that, her favorite months would arrive. Summer.

But for the moment, everything seemed magical. The streets around her were empty. The cafes had not yet opened. Their tables and chairs not yet spilling onto the sidewalk and cobblestone streets. No one else crowded the city. It was hers to enjoy. At any pace she desired. As she continued forward, she lost herself in the textures of the stone beneath her feet. Each as smooth as the last - an endless pattern that stretched on, mesmerizing her. Absolutely perfect. It was only the twinkle of her reflection off their surface that snapped her back to reality. The more she walked, the more she could see the city slowly waking up around her. Shutters were beginning to open, lights were flickering on. Other people were slowly starting to wander out onto the street. Many of which were bundled up against the brisk morning air, only hoping to venture around the corner to the local store to grab the newspaper or fresh milk. She'd catch the occasional waft of coffee - only reminding her to bring her very own thermos to her lips.

As she was getting closer to her office, the sky had taken as much as it could and slowly began spitting down on her. Not enough to be a nuisance, but enough to grab her attention. At first the drops were small enough that they only announced their presence in the puddles around her, but soon they became heavier and less sporadic, matting her hair against her skin. Just the right amount that would add an extra spring to someone else's step. But today, it didn't bother her as much. With her mug wedged firmly between her hands, warming them, she began hopping between puddles. Taking her time as she went.

After all, what was the hurry?