Page 76 of Back to You

Chauncey rubbed his golden head against Ethan’s knee, then trotted to the door.

“What’s he doing?”

Sarah got up to let the dog out. “I think he’s decided you’re doing well enough that you don’t need him.”

Ethan smiled. What do you know?

***

Feet slapping rhythmically on the sidewalk, Ethan jogged past the still-closed storefronts. He enjoyed this time of morning, before everyone was awake and bustling about. He saw other runners now and then, as well as older folks taking walks. It was a good way to clear his mind and get ready for the day ahead.

He was mostly unaware of the route he was taking. His subconscious mind must have been leading him, as he passed right in front of the glass storefront of Bean Bistro.

He paused for a moment, seeing Marcus putting down chairs around the tables. As if realizing he was being watched, Marcus looked up and waved.

Ethan waved back, and waited when he saw Marcus head to the door.

“Hey man,” Marcus said. “How you doing? Since when are you a runner?”

“It’s pretty new. I don’t think it qualifies as running yet,” Ethan laughed.

“Want to come in? I’ve got coffee brewing.”

“Ah. Sure.”

Ethan sat at one of the tables and drank his coffee while chatting with Marcus. He got to hear about Marcus’s band’s latest show, and some of the crazy stories from the cafe. He was laughing over the latest sighting of Kelly Cluckson the chicken when the kitchen door opened.

“Oh. Hey! I was wondering who Marcus was talking to out here,” Brandon said.

“Just me.”

“You’re out early.”

“I was just out for a jog,” Ethan said.

“You jog now?”

“Yeah, my therapist suggested it. I needed more exercise.”

“That’s good. How is that going?”

“Therapy? It’s going well. I’m up to leaving on time four days a week, and this week I’m taking Saturday off as well.”

“Wow, Ethan, that’s amazing. You’re making real progress, I’m glad.”

“Me too. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m not where I want to be, but I’m getting better.”

“That’s awesome.” Silence descended.

Marcus looked between the two of them and rolled his eyes. “How are guitar lessons going?”

“Good! I can almost play ‘Three Blind Mice’ now.”

“Hey, it won’t be long before you’re playing ‘Stairway to Heaven’.”

Ethan laughed.

“You should come to our show Friday night,” Marcus said.

---