Page 35 - Self Talk

“Your mother's right. Catch a few zzzz's and we'll talk about it after lunch,” I winked and kissed her cheek. She responded with a weak smile.
“Sweet dreams,” my voice cracked as I moved toward the door.
After making an excuse about needing to stretch my legs, I begged off lunch and headed out for a walk. By now
the sun was blazing, sending clouds of steam off the street pavement. I sloshed through ankle-deep leaves, mesmerized by their jewel colors, with no destination
in mind.
Two Hours Later
It wasn't quite the same as the leaf peeping Susan had asked for, but it would do. The leaves, twigs and small