9/1/09
Last day of summer vacation. It was crisp, clear, and sunny, and it put me in mind of a similar day eight Septembers ago. That day I walked downtown, too, with six-month-old Lila in the stroller. I had spent the morning frantically trying to get ahold of all my family and friends in NYC. After everyone was accounted for, I went out for a walk, hoping to clear my head. All along the way, people seemed dazed and distracted — and there were *tons* of people out on the sidewalks, talking, hugging, staring into space. Many people sat in parked cars, listening to their radios. It was the same route to town I walked today.
But today is only about ice cream. The girls and I trek down to Herrell’s, order up some cones (burnt sugar and butter, of course), and go outside to sit on the concrete wall and eat. Now I want a coffee.
Crossing Main Street: Mystery woman.
I recognize this woman, but cannot place her for the life of me. Worse: When I smile a wordless greeting to her, she gives me a sprightly “Hi, Naomi!” in return. Oh god. She knows my name? Who IS she? As the girls and I continue to the Woodstar, I go through the possible ways I could know her: Is she a Schechter mom? Does she go to CBI? Was she on a former Disney staff? Pediatrician’s office? Dentist?
Woodstar Cafe: Kristi and Kai.
Kristi and I used to see each other at the Parents Center when Kai, her son, and Lila were toddlers. Kristi looks the same, but Kai is unrecognizable to me now — so tall and grownup looking. I notice Kristi looking at Lila and I realize Lila is equally unrecognizable. Well, of course — she’s quadruple the age she would have been when she and Kai played together.
Woodstar Cafe: Dan.
As I’m paying for my iced coffee, my next-door neighbor, Dan, walks into the cafe. It’s always kind of funny to see him out of context — which is to say, anywhere other than our driveways. We chat for a few minutes about the coming of school tomorrow, although this isn’t a big part of his life yet — his boys are too little. I think of saying to him (but don’t), “It goes even faster than you think it will.” Lila and Kai are walking proof.
About four hours later it comes to me: The mystery woman is a salesperson at Cathy Cross. Where I shop maybe once a year. Damn, she’s good.
