Good Morning

A bike makes it’s way slowly towards me. A little terrier running along. I see this stranger every morning, part of my busy routine of life. The old man, with his shaggy white hair, is beginning to look similar to his friendly dog, and his friendly smile always seems to warm those chilly mornings. Although…this morning….he seems slower.
“Good Morning” I chime.
He passes with a smile. I turn and watch him fade into the distance. Then, stuffing my chilly hands into my coat pockets, I make my way into the school.
It’s the same the next day, and the next day, but each day he seems slower than before.
This morning, the dog slowly trots along, and as I greet him with a friendly salutation, his smile is diminished, and once again he fades into the distance.
Now, I walk along an empty sidewalk, the first warm sunshine of spring shining through the budding trees. I don’t see the stranger, and I wait.
He never comes.
I feel a sudden chill and stuff my hands into my pockets.

Then again…this morning isn’t so warm after all.