Unneeded Bus Route

            As much as Andy didn’t need the old bus route, he kept it just the same. He did not need the money either but the small amount he did earn went straight to charity, never even touched his fingertips. He was a retired very successful business man, and after throwing his life, relationships, and all he knew away for the job, he realized he wasn’t very successful at all. He enjoyed watching the children and seeing their growth over the 180 day school year. Mondays through Fridays were like clockwork. 4:30 am he grumbled out of bed and headed to the bathroom. He’d rub his dreary eyes. After relieving himself, he washes down the handful of pills that old people take. At 4:37 he slowly dresses himself, old broken in Wranglers, thick socks pulled all the way up, and a sweatshirt. He enjoyed not having to wear suit after suit day after day anymore. 4:50 He would then walk down the wooden stairs, knees crackling. At 5 am, He pours himself his first cup of coffee, he always drinks it black. He would then grab the red leash from the laundry room and attach it to his old black lab’s matching collar. She was a good girl, Lucy, greeting him each morning with a wagging tail. 5:02, “Rocket,” he’d call, expecting the dog to come running. He’d then realize that Rocket had long since passed away and he’d call, “Lucy! Ready for your walk?” She’d then come running, happy to see him. Rocket was the best dog Andy had ever owned. He’d never forget the day they’d got her. He and Elise were still married then, Andy was so excited to give him to Elise for her 28^th birthday. She’d always wanted a dog, Elise was so excited. 5:05, pulling on his old sneakers, Andy and Lucy walked out the back door and down the driveway. They’d then walk synchronized down the windy street engulfed by the forest. By the time they would return the paper would be waiting in the driveway. They’d return inside, Andy making breakfast – three eggs, 2 slices of whole wheat toast, and 4 pieces of bacon. Lucy waiting patiently by her bowl would whimper, waiting for breakfast, and hopefully a scrap or two. 5:45, he’d then feed her and sit down with his breakfast and second cup of coffee. Monday through Friday, every morning, it was clockwork.