‘I Had Decided I Wanted to Spend Some Time Outside After Work’

Shady Spot

Dear Diary:

It was a Thursday afternoon, and I had decided I wanted to spend some time outside after work.

Typically, I designate weekends for recreational activity. But having been inside all day and with the sun still out, I embarked on the 20-minute walk to Prospect Park.

I thought about sitting on a bench facing the pond, but decided that was too easy. I kept looking until I found a grassy spot, partially covered by the shade of a tree with overarching branches.

The reeds at the water’s edge split to form what seemed like a man-made fishing alcove, letting rays of sunshine through and offering a view of geese floating by.

As I put down the blanket I was carrying and got settled, I saw that the tree had a yellow heart painted on it. It must be someone’s special spot, I realized.

I felt honored to have found it and hoped I wasn’t intruding.

— Angel Musyimi