Dennis rode into town with a job to do. He was on a schedule and under pressure to get things done as quickly as possible. Yet as he arrived to the town square he couldn’t help but stop if only for a few minutes.
The scene was idyllic. Typical small town. People were gathered under the trees that outlined the park-like downtown. The old men sat on the benches swapping stories. Women watched as children played on the lawn between the outer trees and the statue of the town’s founder that occupied the prime spot in the middle of the action. There were balls being tossed and tag being played. Music floated gently through the mild air of spring. He scanned the scene until he spotted its source: a young man with a guitar accompanying an attractive young lady who was singing. There was a small group gathered round enjoying the music and occasionally joining in.
It was as if the road that led him into town had taken him back in time. There was no rush. No hurry up. People were actually living in the moment instead of missing it by worrying about what to do next. Too bad it would change once his mission was complete. There was no avoiding it. It had to be done.
People smiled and waved as he rode by. Dennis returned their salute with the same. Neither side knowing the true impact of his coming actions. He checked his rearview mirror and watched as the scene faded into a pleasant memory like the end of a movie.
As usual he worked away from view. Doing what had to be done. He thought of the scene of small town life he’d witnessed. Retirement was on the horizon. He and his wife were looking to escape the city. They wanted a place where they could slow down and enjoy the gift of breathing in and out. What he had seen in this town fit the bill. Perhaps he would return soon with his wife to let her see how good living in a small community could be. He could see them walking the square..speaking with the people….stopping in the shops…and enjoying a delicious supper at one of the cafes.
As he worked, something didn’t seem quite right. He couldn’t nail it down. It was just a feeling.
His task accomplished, he decided to return to the park and take a break. Maybe relax on a bench and enjoy one of the tall tales being told under the shade of those beautiful oaks.
He arrived to find a much quieter scene. There were no stories being told. There were no children playing or music floating on the soothing spring breeze. The town center was deserted save for one lone figure on a bench on the north side of the square near a water fountain.
Curiosity guided him to a parking space near the bench. He got out of his truck and ambled toward a man in suit pants and button down shirt. His tie was loose and his jacket draped over the back of the bench. As he approached, the man moved his jacket to his lap and offered Dennis a seat.
“I see you finished your task,” the man said.
“Yes.”
They sat in silence for a moment. Dennis opened his mouth to speak, but the man beat him to it.
“You are wondering where everyone went,” he said.
“Well…yes. There were so many people here having such a good time and now..”
“And now they’re gone,” the man said finishing Dennis’ thought.
There was a sadness in the man’s voice that sparked a rather strange thought. Dennis let it roll around for a moment and then it clicked.
“Is that why you cut the power lines,” Dennis asked..
“I’m guessing you mean that as a rhetorical question. I saw you when you first arrived. I saw the look on your face…the light in your eyes. I know that feeling. You and I are alike in that respect. Don’t get me wrong. I think electricity is a fine thing. A fine thing indeed. But while it’s made our lives easier in so many ways, it has also isolated us.”
“So, you cut the power in hopes of making this town more the way it was when you were young?”
“Yes. But I’m not fool enough to think it would have changed things permanently. I just wanted to enjoy a real town for just a little while….not some online virtual community. There’s nothing virtuous or real about it.” The man words were punctuated by a sigh of depression.
They sat in silence for some time each thinking their own thoughts.
Finally, Dennis said, “Next time you get lonely for the old days, just use the switch I installed on the pole where you cut the line. You’re less likely to get killed…and be sure to call me in advance so I can have my wife pack a picnic. You’ll love her fried chicken.”
A look of surprise came across the man’s face.
“Like you said, we’re kindred spirits.”
