RUNNING TIME

I quickened my pace. It was late and I was feeling the cold penetrate my coat. The night was brightly lit by the moon and the crisp stillness filled my ears. Hands shoved firmly in my pockets and shoulders hunched, I increased my stride. A car’s headlights flashed over me as it passed.

I glanced up against the cold wind and my eyes caught movement. A fox, at a trot, glided across the road, sleek and golden. It stopped by some boxes left out in front of a deli. As it rummaged around, nosing in between bags, I was transfixed at this creature of nature in the midst of its concrete surrounds. I was suddenly in love with its beauty and mystery, and stood fastened to the ground, eyes fixed in wonder.

A couple making their way in my direction were laughing and chatting, full of their evening’s cheer. I could hear their voices approaching and I broke my gaze from the fox out of embarrassment of my awe in such a simple scene. Gathering my scarf closer around my neck, I moved on, allowing myself one last glance back. The fox was gone. I smiled, silently thanking the fox its encounter.