The man

I hear the leaves rustle as soft wind blows by. Today was a hectic day. Finally I can get some rest.

It was a hectic week .

I worked hard this week. My project finally came to an end and my company rewarded me with a leave. I plan on spending the leave with my family.

Lately I haven't been attentive to them. My daughter's graduation is in about a week and

My darling wife, I will get her flowers when I come back from my walk.

I was sitting on a bench outside my house, when a man walks in through the gate. He must be in his 50s, not too fat or thin. Your everyday average looking man. Something about him screams that he is a post office worker.

"Well Sir, how do you do?" He asks.

"I am good." I reply.

Maybe he noticed the look in my eyes because he answered my unasked question.

"I was just walking by when I saw you sitting out here. I thought you will need me. "

I am puzzled.Why would I need him?

" Are you feeling okay? Does anything hurt?"

Maybe he misunderstood me sitting outside. This kind stranger was just concerned for a pale looking man.

He is a good man.

"I am alright. Thank you for your concern. Not from around here ,are you? " I ask.

If he had been , I would have remembered him,at least vaguely.

"No. I do roam around occassionally. Been here a few times although you won't have seen me. Never been to your house before."

Oh right! I remember I have to go buy flowers for my wife. She deserves it for putting up with me all these years.

"Your daughter's graduation is next week isn't it?" He says, with a sad smile.

How does he know? Did any neighbour tell him? Strangely I don't feel anything dangerous about this man. I get a feeling like I am talking to a close friend.

"I am sorry, you will not make it . And I am sorry that you will never be able to buy the flowers.".

At that moment, I understood.

There was so much left to do. So many things left unsaid. So many memories remained to be made. So many 'I love you' untold. So many feelings unexpressed.

"It's about time. Ready to go?".

I will never be able to say goodbye to them. Never hear their voice once again.

I am scared .

How will they live? Will they be happy? So many questions.

I get up to leave with the man. I feel light like a feather. Why am I feeling so content yet dizzy?

As I took a another step, I hear my wife and my daughter crying.

As I leave my house , I take one last look at them and wonder what scarier: The fact that one day you die or that when it happens you won't be able to say your goodbye?