request

There is the sound of voices from the rear, whildt walking along the path to the local park, noisy voices, some man giving directions. The sound of approaching footsteps on the gravel, a crunching noise as the small stones are ground one into the other. It is unbearable, just as the desire to be in the public park is the greatest. Climb the path to the wrought-iron gate but do not turn around. There is no wish to be involved in any greetings, there is just a horror of conversation.

A woman approaches, she is wearing a pink hoodie. Just look down, do not pay attention. Look up, see that she is smiling, wishes a good morning. Mumble, go on.

The park is dark and peaceful, turn left in the hope that this route will be deserted.

It is not. There are people taking their dog out for a shit, they are chatting with an elderly man in short trousers. Keep the eyes on the dog, avoid catching the eye of the people. Take the rising path, around the first bend an old woman with a stick. She is concentrating on walking, carry on up the slope through the dark leafy woods. 

Reach the devil's bridge, so called. A wooden structure, a caueseway,  making a hairpin bend and leading to a steep part of the path through the woods. The usual path. There are no people, this is a blessing. There are no people untill the top of the path.

A relief.

The rage is slowly going away.

Sit on a park bench.

Relax.

just sit there untill the unreasonable fear has gone.

It leaves tiredness.

Go to the next park bench.

Sit in the sun, watch the waking birds in the small zoo. This was the same place as last week. But this horror did not take place.

But the disquiet has gone now.

Can anybody say what that was?