TIME

English 2 (final)

Time

It’s not that I watch so much as I notice. First I see her walking up the driveway in a school uniform. I wave to say hello and that’s the end of it.

Time paces but how much time goes by I do not know.

I see a learner’s car parked outside. One day I see her get in the car and another day I see her getting out of the same learner car. A wave to say hello and that’s the end of it.

Time paces but how much time goes by I do not know.

Then there is a new car on the drive. A small old car, the kind of car a parent might buy their child once they have passed their driving test. I see her drive the old car away, I wave to say hello and that’s the end of it.

Time paces but how much time goes by I do now know.

Then there is a different car on the driveway, shiny, new and sporty looking. I see her getting out of the new car. I smile and I wave to say hello and that’s the end of it.

Time paces but how much time goes by I do now know.

I don't think it’s that I don't see the car on the driveway any more but suddenly I notice it’s not there. Then today as I stand at my front door I see the car but this time it’s parked on the road. I see her walk to the door and knock before she looks for her keys. It is then clear to me that she does not live there any more. I wave hello and that’s the end of it.

Time paces but how much time goes by I do now know.

It’s not that I watch so much as I notice.

By Melissa Laws