Warming Up

Amy’s really come to enjoy her walks up in the hills. Organising her schedule around was hell at first – way more time investment than going to the gym – but the gym had a different set of problems. Judging stares and comments – not always even whispered. Too fat, too skinny, too much makeup, not enough makeup, obviously just here for attention. And the men who offered advice, unasked – of course the big boobie airhead Asian bimbo didn’t have a clue what she was doing.

(Well, all right – maybe she could have done with a few pointers. But the ways they offered – hoo, boy.)

So now that she’s finally found the time, and proper shoes, and got out into nature – she can only wonder how she didn’t try it sooner. Fresh air, greenery, flowers; the few people she sees are polite and don’t hassle her, for the most part. And she doesn’t need to reckon with an extra-high-impact sports bra to handle a gentle walking pace. Her walks have become a highlight of her week, and she’s been looking forward to this chance to get away from it all.

So it was, today, she set out with a song in her heart. The sun bright overhead, barely a cloud. Lulling her into a false sense of security to leave her heavy jacket behind in the car; no need to get even sweatier than necessary. Leaving the roar of traffic behind to drink in the cheerful chirping of birds, the rustling of the wind in the boughs, the sound of some distant dog going crazy over not being allowed to chase a squirrel. What could possibly ruin this?

Then the rain came. Bucketing down, drenching. Fortunately, at that time Amy was close to the shelter of a tall old tree, one with wide branches that sheltered her…at first. Huddled against the gnarled trunk, hearing the rain hiss down all around. That’s just about where any good fortune ended.

Her phone has no signal. She’s cold. The light’s starting to fade. She does not want to be out here alone after dark…

And now – drip. With splash of icy cold, a big droplet hits her shoulder, soaking quickly through her thin top. The branches overhead can hold back the rain no longer. Drip – this one splashing onto the top of her head, soaking her hair. Through gritted teeth she lets out a little squeak both of surprise and annoyance. Stay or go, she’s going to get drenched.

But where to go to? Her car is…too far, but maybe not too far, back the way she came. On the other hand…she re there being a little cabin a little further up the slope, a shelter for hikers. It’s closer – if she can find her way.

With a howl, the wind whips in a cruel spiral, and Amy’s option of staying put is carried away on a wave of driving wetness. All shelter gone now; it’s go or nothing. She grits her teeth and steps out – blinded immediately by the deluge, right in her face. Unbelievable.

Time to make that choice, and quick!