Flash Fiction: Chance Meeting in Cowtown

It was a tepid Saturday afternoon along the Bow River. Craig Kennedy was riding his bike along the city’s bike path, as the May sun shone down on those taking advantage of the urban outdoors.  It had been a crazy spring weather-wise; however, in a city like Calgary, one can never know what Mother Nature brings from one moment to the next. One moment it could be snowing and the mercury hovers five degrees below freezing; the next it could be warm enough to don a light jacket. The warming Chinook winds which blow across the Albertan Foothills are appreciated, but unpredictable in planning one’s attire.

Craig was travelling at an easy pace to take in the tranquility just north of the city’s busy downtown core when he noticed a woman in distress. He rode off the path onto the grass, and investigated the situation.

“Are you alright?” he asked.                                 

“Not really. I was running just off the path, and my foot caught a divot. I think I twisted my ankle.”

Craig cautiously looked at the woman’s right foot, and surveyed the situation. He noticed a slight discolouring around the ankle joint, but it didn’t look like there was any serious damage.

He concluded, “It doesn’t look too bad, but it is something you need to get checked out. Are you able to stand at all?”

The woman leaned against Craig for support, as he helped her back to her feet.  Her hand took hold of his muscular bicep, and she liked what she felt. While he did work out, Craig tried to keep his mass to a lean appearance. He didn’t believe in looking like a hulking bodybuilder, opting for strength over bulk. However, whenever he exercised, he made sure to target his key areas. A hidden contrast to the bike shorts and light jacket he wore.

The woman apologized, “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”

“Craig, Craig Kennedy. And, you are...?”

“Olivia Rumsey. Thanks for your help, Craig.”

“It’s not a problem. There’s a walk-in clinic over at 12th Avenue and 4th Street SW. Do you think you’re able to make it over there?”

“Not on my own power. Is there any way you can help me get over there?”

Craig reached for his smartphone, “I’ll call us a cab since they won’t let me take my bike on the bus.”

An hour later, Olivia hobbled out the clinic on crutches with a bandage wrapped around her ankle. The whole time, Craig waited with her while she was being treated. He hailed another cab and accompanied her to her condo in the East Village. Craig had to catch himself from staring at Olivia the whole time he was with her. She stood a demure 5-foot-5 with her blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, contrasted by a pair of green eyes which sparkled like emeralds. She dwarfed Craig by a mere six inches, but height was irrelevant. She was thankful for his kindheartedness. Olivia offered to repay Craig for his good deed, but he refused any monetary compensation. However, after some convincing, she did make him agree to a coffee date once her ankle healed. It was a chance meeting between the two individuals along the banks of the Bow River, but one that was the beginning of a long relationship.