Adults

The tiles were moved around in an attempt to scramble the winds, dragons and jokers so a new hand could be played. It was a familiar ritual. There is nothing titillating about the game yet it somehow resonates.  Like life it is making choices quickly and being able to change course without a flinch. It was just another Mah Jongg Monday. Hoping for a joker to announce my win.

I sat at my desk waiting for the work day to be over.  I had only been at my new job for a few weeks.  I felt I needed  a career that was more challenging.  I had been in the corporate work force for over 30 years,  and I knew I was destined  for a greater purpose.  I am creative.  I can perform.   Please someone discover me so I can flourish.

My dark ringed eyes open to the stillness of my room. My walls seemed careful, like a child avoiding going to bed, yet they wailed at the calendar; May 15th encircled in bright red ink in a small box. Sofia’s birthday. Elatedly I jumped out of bed, bought a cake, present, and card, and for the rest of the day, my head rested on her headstone. Happy 7th Birthday - Love always, Mom <3

Daily, I commuted by train to my office in Newark. Standing near the station was a young man begging. He seemed friendly, jovial and talkative. During the next several weeks I would donate my spare change and sometimes an occasional dollar. Then one day no beggar. What happened? A month later at a busy intersection we recognized each other. He shouted hey dude, thank you I got a job.

Rumshpringa*

Leah was walking Magenta. Suddenly, they saw a golden doodle happily running and jumping across the lawns near his house.
“Duke!”
They ran to him. Duke was off leash. His humans were missing.
Leah held Magenta’s leash as Magenta herded Duke home. The front door was open; the house was empty. They entered and stayed together until Duke’s family returned. Soon Margie came home, shocked, but relieved her third child was safe.

*During Rumspringa, Amish youth have the freedom to explore life outside their community.