She didn’t notice the prickle of anxiety that had started to spread through her body until she reached the bottom of the stairs.
You’re fine, she told herself.It’s a new day. You’re free!
Giving a shaky smile to a passing couple, Amie straightened her shoulders and began walking down the sidewalk toward Eons.
She made it about ten steps before a bicycle bell rang behind her, causing her to yelp and jump out of the way.
“Sorry,” the bicyclist said, shooting her a concerned look as he rode past.
“Not a problem,” Amie replied hurriedly.
You’ve made this walk hundreds of times. Just go to the coffee shop. It’s not that hard.
She took in a slow, deep breath, tucked her elbows in close to her sides, and resumed her trek.
As she passed the delicatessen, instinct had her drifting to the left of the sidewalk. Someone in the neighborhood refused to pick up after their dog, and Amie had learned to hug the curb outside of the deli to save her shoes. Risking a quick glance to her right, she saw the spot was free of feces.
Right, she thought, chuckling to herself.New day, no poop.
The chuckle died in her throat as she moved her focus to the sidewalk in front of her, becoming even more cautious of where she walked.
After half a block, she felt her shoulders begin to relax. Allowing herself to look around, she started taking in the details of this new day. Her arms even began to swing a bit as she walked.
“Excuse me?”
Amie skidded to a stop, almost running into the person who had stepped in front of her.
“Uh … huh?” Amie asked. She felt her heart rate increase.
“I’m looking for 1670 North Grove Street,” the man said, looking at a map on his phone as he spoke. “I’m a little confused by the numbers … do you know if it’s over here, or …”
“Ah …” Her mouth had gone dry.What’s happening to me?“I … I don’t …”
The man sighed. “It’s fine, I’ll figure it out. Thanks anyway.”
“Okay,” Amie managed to get out as he passed her.
What the hell was that?
Amie was almost never the most sociable person in the room, but she’d never struggled to talk to people, especially those in need of assistance. She was the kind of person who’d jump in with an eager “Do you want me to take that for you?” any time she’d see a couple trying to take a selfie.
Still shaking off the dust.She gave her head a sharp jerk, as if that would somehow reset whatever was wrong with her brain.
She spotted a woman rounding the corner up ahead, walking down the sidewalk toward her.
All right, Amie thought, putting her shoulders back again as she resumed walking.When you walk past, you’re going to say, “Good morning!” Easy enough. Here we go.
There was a rumbling behind her, and Amie looked over her shoulder to see a moving truck driving down the street. She turned back to see the woman veer to the other side of the sidewalk.
Get a grip, she thought to herself, forcing what she hoped was a pleasant smile onto her face.You’re being weird. People are noticing.
As a cold shock of water hit the left side of her body, she realized why the woman had moved. The truck continued past her down the street, leaving her sopping wet from the puddle it had sped through.
“Rough luck,” the woman said sympathetically as she passed.
“Ah, yeah, well,” Amie stammered, frozen in place as water dripped from her clothes.
Remembering her self-appointed mission, she spun around, blurting out, “It’s morning!”
