UNKNOWN GUEST

#30 On Your Left!

On a crisp, clear morning, I laced up my running shoes and started my usual jog around the park. As I approached the park's edge, I spotted my dad warming up for his morning run. I ran up to him with a smile.

"Hi, Cap," I greeted, catching my breath.

He looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Hi, Jason. Didn't see you around here before."

I shook my head, slowing my pace as I caught up with him. "I usually take the other way. By the way, why don't we run together today? There's a nice route around the service cemetery. It's got ponds and trees—you'd like the environment."

Dad seemed a bit hesitant at first, his eyes narrowing as he considered my suggestion. After a moment's thought, he sighed and nodded. "Alright. Let's start."

We began our jog towards the service cemetery road. My plan was to introduce Dad to Uncle Sam, and I hoped both would cross path today. 

As we continued our run, I spotted a man in a gray sweatshirt and shorts jogging slowly ahead. I signaled Dad to stop, and we both paused, catching our breath.

"Cap, do you see that man?" I pointed in his direction.

Dad squinted ahead and nodded. "Yeah, I see him."

"That's Sam Wilson from para-rescue." I said. "He's a retired soldier, just like you."

Dad's expression remained neutral. "So?"

I shrugged, trying to keep my tone light. "So, I think you two might get along really well. You both have similar experiences and are struggling to find your footing in today's world. Sometimes, it helps to connect with someone who understands what you're going through."

Dad raised an eyebrow. "You sound like one of those dads in movies trying to set up playdates for their kids."

I chuckled. "I guess I am playing matchmaker of sorts. But seriously, Cap, everyone needs someone who can relate and offer support. We might not fully understand what you've been through, but finding someone who's been in similar situations can make a difference. It's about having a companion who can motivate and guide you."

He sighed, clearly hesitant about my suggestion. Sensing his reluctance, I pressed on. "No one should judge you, Cap. And I'd be the last one to do it. You know, it's hard for us to fully understand what you've been through unless we experience the battlefield ourselves. People who have faced similar challenges often find common ground. You know what I mean?"

He took a moment to absorb my words, then gave a slow nod. "I do. I hope Sam and I will get along."

We exchanged a mutual smile, a silent acknowledgment of the effort to connect. I took a step back, ready to head in the opposite direction, but paused to add, "And, Cap, don't hesitate to challenge him to a run. He won't back down."

He smiled, a hint of amusement and acceptance in his eyes. I turned and started jogging away, glancing back briefly to see him approach Uncle Sam. With a sense of optimism, I hoped that this meeting would foster a genuine friendship between them.

Author's POV-

As Steve jogged along the familiar path, he spotted the man Jason had pointed out earlier. With a friendly nod, he muttered, "On your left," as he smoothly passed him. Steve continued his run around the pond, his breathing steady and rhythmical.

A few minutes later, Steve saw the same man, Sam, again on his path. He called out, "On your left," before running past him once more. 

This time, Sam, panting heavily, grumbled, "Yeah, got it." Steve didn't slow his pace; instead, he pushed himself faster.