He moved slowly, carefully placing each step as he made his way down the street. He was hunched forward, his arms leaning heavily on his walker, which creaked slightly as he pushed it along. His hairline had receded almost entirely to the back of his head; he had traded a youthful coif for over a half-century of professional experience. He had once stood a solid six feet tall, brimming with confidence and proud of his status in the community, but his reliance on the silver and grey support had cut him down a few pegs in each area.
He paused at a driveway that led to a large house and surveyed his surroundings. He searched in vain for a landmark or an address that he recognized. There had been a time when he could have navigated the suburban neighborhood practically with his eyes closed but lately he had been finding it more challenging to get from once place to another. He hated calling for taxis and relying on his younger neighbors to drive him; plus, he enjoyed walking. He enjoyed the feeling of independence that came with mobility but the emotion had become all too elusive in recent years. And now, after one last determined effort to reclaim that self-sufficiency, he had gotten himself lost. The pursuit of accomplishment had left him feeling confused and alone. Continue reading “After the Warranty Runs Out”
