Hardly a day goes by you don't see them. The two old guys in our neighborhood walk together nearly every morning. One is a happy go lucky fellow who waves big and smiles bigger at everyone he sees. He stops and pets every dog that crosses their path.
The smaller walker is Mr. Grumpy Pants. In 14 years, I've never seen him smile, ever. And that's too bad, but it's the way it is. So, I must say I don't know much about him.
In chilly weather, they wear neon orange hunting caps, with ear flaps. No kidding! So cute. They are always talking so I know they enjoy each other's company.
Sometimes they ride their bikes instead of walking. Two clankity clank clank kinda bikes, from the 60's or 70's. I secretly like their bikes--faded paint and upright handle bars. 2 old guys riding bikes together up the street is such a quaint sight and always makes me smile.
This morning I noticed Mr. Happy Walker puttering down the sidewalk alone. His grumpy friend has been in the hospital for a while and I'd heard this but it just dawned on me how me must be missing his friend. It looked unnatural. They are the walking duo, ya know? He looked lonely. I felt his sadness watching his steps. But he kept walking anyway--without his friend. I've been there. My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach for him.
I was seriously tempted to grab my shoes and go walk with him. If my feet weren't aching so much I would have grabbed the dog and accompanied him on his morning ritual. I hope his walking buddy is back soon because the sight of just one walker after all these years tears me up.
