on bikes and books

Awhile back, something happened when I was biking home from work. I suppose from the outside it may not have looked that interesting, but it was one of those moments that hangs over you for days to come, constantly encouraging you to revisit the encounter and question it.

I was on my routine bike ride home from work when, up ahead, I noticed a bike pulled off to the side of the road. As I grew closer, I began to see a boy whom I pegged to be about a sophomore in high-school. Why he was out biking at 1 pm on a school day, I do not know. He was simply sitting there, reading a book and seemingly enjoying the day. I was staring at him, studying his face and wondering what brought him to where he was. He looked up suddenly, noticing me looking intently at him. Our eyes met. "Hi." I said as I drove past. "Hello" came his response. I nearly stopped to ask him what he was reading, but, anxious to get home, I continued on my way. That was our only interaction at that time. As I continued to bike, I could not stop wondering who he was and why this kid was out, sitting on a bike trail and reading during school hours. I spent the rest of the ride home wishing I had stopped to say something more to him.

As I was nearing the end of the bike trail, I hoped that he would pull up behind me so I could figure out who he was. Of course, he wasn't there. But then, just as I was turning onto the main road, I sensed someone behind me. I turned to look back, and there he was. Already down the main street, I didn't want to go out of my way and turn around. Besides, he was getting ready to head in the opposite direction. "See ya around." I called out to him. "Bye." came his response.

Such a small encounter, but my mind will not allow me to forget about it. Who was he? Why would this 15-16 year old looking kid be sitting on a bike trail reading a book during school hours? Simply sitting outdoors and reading at all is uncommon for kids his age. I guess I'll have to be content to let this one remain a mystery. I've never seen him again.