Not Acting my Age

The other day, I strapped on my backpack, which was mostly empty, but I made sure I had a full water bottle.

With my mask on, I went out for a walking adventure, doing my best to avoid people. Not an easy feat in Massachusetts. Whether in the US, UK, or Ireland, I’d always gone for long walks, with no particular destination in mind. But recent events have stifled me.

Since it’s September, I enjoyed the crispness in the air and the fresh smell. There’s something special about the way autumn smells. The leaves are starting to turn. Also, the clouds occasionally parted, giving glimpses of the deep blue sky overhead.

This is one of my favorite seasons, and even though this particular one is not the typical fall in New England, I want to do my damnedest to enjoy life. Safely.

So, there I was, out enjoying the day, when I neared a street I had to traverse, and there stood a crossing guard with a face mask. I’m getting used to seeing people in masks, but I was fairly certain the woman would mistake me for a school kid.

The backpack I had on was massive. It’s the one I use for travel when I don’t want to pack a normal bag. It was the only one that was empty (I haven’t been traveling) when I decided to go for my walkabout, and I know it makes me look like I’m wearing my dad’s backpack.

Also, for as long as I can remember, people have thought I’m much younger than I actually am.

I’m sure my Curious George T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops didn’t help my cause.

As I stood on the corner opposite the woman, I was certain she would step out into the road with her stop sign to assist me across safely. I understand this is her job, but it’s always been a slight embarrassment that so many think I’m still a kid. Sure, I act like one, but that doesn’t mean I am one.

Since I have a knack for getting into impossible situations, the better half probably appreciates those who keep an eye out for me.

When the light turned, sure enough, the crossing guard boldly stepped out and greeted me with a cheery hello.

I returned it with my own happy greeting, remembering that many of us have been isolated for months. Maybe she didn’t think I was a kid and simply wanted to have human interaction.

Although, she did say she wished I didn’t have too much homework for the weekend. Surely, she says that to all the adults.

About TBM

TB Markinson is an American who's recently returned to the US after a seven-year stint in the UK and Ireland. When she isn't writing, she's traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in New England, or reading. Not necessarily in that order. Her novels have hit Amazon bestseller lists for lesbian fiction and lesbian romance. She cohosts the Lesbians Who Write Podcast (lesbianswhowrite.com) with Clare Lydon. TB also runs I Heart Lesfic (iheartlesfic.com), a place for authors and fans of lesfic to come together to celebrate lesbian fiction.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Not Acting my Age

  1. Autumn is a very nice season with all the colors that are changing in nature. iI is a reminder that we have to envoy it before the real cold kicks in. We have similar weather, I am there other side of the border in Montreal and you can see the trees with all kinds of colors, the hydrangea fire and ice, like in your photos are turning from white to pink. The birds are starting their migration south.
    The only thing I do not like from this season is closing the garden. It is sad, to have to cut everything, so they can rest all winter. When Spring comes and the first little plants come out of the soil, it is the dance of life. The early flowers start to bloom, and the days are getting longer as well. Spring is my favorite season 🙂

Leave a Reply