AN ENCOUNTER WITH GRETEL

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I pedal five miles a day five days a week. As a rule, I go out at 4 or 5am. (“O Dark City”). Over the past few years, I have written numerous stories about my experiences on my morning treks. And I can tell you, I have experienced some pretty amazing and unexpected things.

Without going into detail here (since I have previously done so) counting the following story, I have alluded to five such situations which occurred on the same city block; just a few hundred yards from my home.

This morning, as I was completing my five mile trek, I noticed a figure approaching me on the sidewalk. (I only ride on the sidewalk). As the person got closer, I realized the individual was a young lady of perhaps 30. As we neared one another, I pushed my bike light down towards the concrete, quit pedaling, and pushed my bike along with my left foot.

“Gretel” seemed unsure on which side of the sidewalk she would continue to walk, but finally chose the left side. As a result, I moved to my left, as well. Thirty feet, twenty feet and…

“Hello.”

I replied in kind.

“Hello.”

And now, I noticed she would throw her right foot out forward, and 45 degrees to the right side, and she would take a smaller forward step with her left foot. I immediately surmised Gretel was inebriated.

Now, as I passed her, she said,

“Happy Thanksgiving!”

And now, I thought to myself…

“She doesn’t sound drunk.”

(and)

“Perhaps she is simply disabled.”

And as before, I replied in kind.

“Happy Thanksgiving.”

I had pedaled another ten feet when I heard the young lady say,

“I wonder if I could ask you a question?”

I looked behind me, and saw that she had stopped walking, and was looking in my direction.

Now, I surmised Gretel was going to ask me for money.

At this point I had a decision to make. Would I turn my bike around, and pedal back to her, or would I continue pedaling?

I chose the second of the two options, and I arrived home five minutes later.

I have regretted my choice.

 by Bill McDonald, PhD