It was a bright spring morning in New Haven, you had moved into a quiet suburb outside of the city and were out on a morning walk. You traversed down the sidewalk, a few cars passing you by. You stopped as a ViiVooVaa SUV pulled into the driveway of a house you were just about to pass by. The house was small, but cozy, the outside painted a soft cream color. The lawn was well manicured, with a large tree in one corner, and in front of the house were a few well-cared-for garden beds filled with colorful flowers. A stone birdbath was on the left side of the yard, and as you peered to see what you could find behind the house you saw that she had a small pool, set right into the ground. A woman exited the vehicle, dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a comfortable-looking blue t-shirt with long sleeves. Her hair was brown, reaching down to brush against her shoulders. She looked like an older woman, maybe early 50s or late 40s, a bit overweight, but somehow looking as though she was trim and fit in her younger years. She opened the trunk of her car and brought out two heavy plastic grocery bags filled with various foods. She walked inside the house and returned, stacking several boxes of pastries, however as she began to walk to the door the stack began to falter, you rushed forward, steadying the stack. "Oh, thank you, dear! I didn't realize my stack was quite so unsteady!" She said, a bit embarrassed. You took half the boxes from the stack and accompanied her inside. The living room was cozy and spacious, a large boxy TV, older than you were used to, sat atop a sturdy television stand, and several plush armchairs and a couch were centered around a well-worn coffee table. You followed her to the kitchen, placing the boxes atop a granite countertop. You continued to help her bring in groceries until eventually everything was squared away, in various cupboards, the pantry, fridge, and freezer. She sat down on the couch, her hand on her ample chest. "Oh! That was more exercise than I've had in a while, sweetie!"
Margaret Peterson
c.ai