Running For Those Who Can't

An annoying scream that forces my hands to my ears. That’s the noise that wakes me from my peaceful sleep. Groaning, I roll onto my side and slam a hand hard to silence the alarm. Seven o’clock. Do I regret staying up so late last night? Yes. Is it going to happen again? Yes.

Hair sticks to my face, and I brush each strand away with a groan. Why am I so tired today? My body’s so stiff from a week of work.

Standing in the center of my bedroom, I stare at the pillows and blankets for a moment too long, and another yawn escapes my lips. Pulling on a fresh pair of clothes and struggling to tie my hair up, I try to avoid looking at the bed and the so, so soft pillows. I still have a morning jog to get in before it gets too late, and before the park gets crowded. I draw the blinds, and a sliver of light enters my room. Retreating from the bright light, I wait for my eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness. But as soon as my eyes adjust, I lean against the window and soak in the sun, the warm sensation waking me up. Through the window, the buildings shimmer in the new day’s light, making quite the spectacle. Maybe today will be a good day!

My eyes catch the clock on my desk, and worry blossoms in my mind. Dang it! Please say that the clock is wrong!

I dart from the room, and my hand’s already on my apartment’s door handle when I suddenly remember I haven’t eaten yet. With an annoyed chuckle, I pop a piece of toast into the toaster and stand there, waiting. By the time I get to the park, it’s going to be irritatingly hot and crowded.

I glare back at the toaster as my patience wears thin. Maybe I’ll eat when I get back? I’ve almost convinced myself it’s a good idea when I remember what happened last time I tried that.

Slumping in the kitchen chair with a sigh, I finally give up. It’ll be done when it’s done; no screaming at the toaster will make it go faster. I reach into my back pocket, trying to locate my phone, but it’s gone. Did I even grab it?

Heading back into my bedroom, I pray it’s just on my dresser and that I didn’t lose it somewhere else. The hall seems longer than it should be, and it gives me plenty of time to think of the dozens of places I could’ve left my phone this week.

The sun’s almost all the way up when I enter my room. Sunlight reflects off something that’s lying on the ground, and I raise a hand to cover my eyes. So I dropped it, I didn’t lose it!

Kneeling, I gently pick up my phone from the ground and sit on the edge of my bed. Powering my phone on the dark screen lights up enough just for me to see that its battery’s at five percent. I set my phone on my dresser and plug in the charger. I wonder how fast it’ll charge. Now I’ll have to wait even longer to get to the park for my run. Today really is one of those days.

To pass the time, I retie my running shoes, knotting the string repeatedly so when I get to the park, I can get straight to running. As I move to tie the next shoe, I notice light reflecting off something in the corner of my eyes, and this time it isn’t my phone. Is it coming from behind the dresser? Reaching behind, I inch my fingers farther down until I feel something cold. What is that? It’s decently heavy… is it metal?

I pull it up by the chain and hold it in my palm. A necklace? The charm’s the shape of a heart, and it’s attached to a beautiful chain that’s shiny silver.

As I turn the necklace, my fingers trace the silver, and the bottom of the charm pops open. Stunned, it takes me a moment to realise I didn’t break it, and relief fills me. It’s a locket! Lifting the charm closer to my face, I can see the image inside is a picture of my brother and me. I remember that day! A smile pulls at my lips, but there’s another feeling heavy in my chest.

After looking at the photo for a moment longer, I seal the locket and hook it around my neck, ensuring the latch stays shut to prevent it from falling off during my run.

My brother’s the one who got me into running. He and I were very close; every weekend we would run together in the park. Those were good times!

I unplug my phone and check the battery; thirty percent will have to do. Heading to the kitchen, I grab my slice of toast, unplug the toaster, and head out. The streets are buzzing with action; it seems this really is the city where no one ever sleeps. Weaving my way through the streets, I make my way to Central Park, where there are a few joggers, but not too many.

How many miles should I run today? On a normal day, I’d do around three. Maybe I should challenge myself and go for five? But I don’t want to injure myself… I’ll just try four, then go from there.

I take a quick swig of water from my water bottle, do a few stretches to warm up, and then I start my run. I start with a light jog, then I pick up the pace until it becomes a run.

As I run, the locket sways, the cold metal pressing against my skin. As I increase my pace, I remember something my brother told me long ago. He always told me to run for myself, not for anyone else. But today I’ll run for him too, because he can’t anymore. Rest in peace, brother. I’ll see how far I can run—for both of us.