I Run With Maud

I just wanted to go for a run. I just wanted to get outside and be healthy again. It had been a long time, so I wasn't trying to break any records. I just wanted to go for a run.

I'd been lazy for long enough. It probably had been about 2 months or maybe more. I got really sick for a few weeks and then just decided sitting around binge watching TV shows from when I was a kid and eating donuts was more fun than working out. It was fun, don't get me wrong. But the spare tire hanging from my waist needed to go and I had to start somewhere.

It's obvious from my first few strides that it had been longer since I had done this than I thought. I'm already out of breath and the muscles in my legs are screaming at me. "You idiot! Go back inside! Boy Meets World isn't going to watch itself."

Geez. I can't remember the last time I was in this bad of shape. It feels good to be outside though.

Two miles in and I'm regretting it. I probably should have eased my way back into this exercise thing. Gone for a walk? A bike ride? Or just sat on the grass? The last one now seems like the best idea. I'll remember that for tomorrow when I can't get out of bed.

As I turn the corner, I see someone else had the same idea as me. The look on his face tells me he is regretting it just as much.

I give him the little nod and wave one always gives when they pass someone running. He doesn't return it though. People usually do. Maybe he can't because of all the pain and regret that comes from not moving for months and then running for miles.

I think I recognize him from around the neighborhood. I don't remember his name. We aren't in the same circles, but I remember seeing him here and there. Nice guy from what I know. I think he's had some troubles, but who hasn't? Now his only trouble is the same as mine, trying to finish this stupid run.

I'm about to crawl into my driveway when a car drives by. It's not going fast, but they are swerving all over the road. It's a little early for drinking, isn't it? Maybe the driver is just getting in from last night.

As he drives by, I notice a phone in his hand and it looks like he's taping something. Maybe it's one of those tiktok videos that people stupidly tape while they drive. Accept, it kind of looks like he's filming something in front of him. Like he's filming the guy who passed me.

Ahmaud. That's his name. I think people call him Maud though. He was a football star when he was in high school. Super fun to watch him play. Great kid. I was right that he'd had some trouble, but I've heard he's been doing really well now. He runs this route pretty much every day. Smile on his face, waving at everyone that passes.

But he didn't wave at me. And his smile is as nowhere to be seen.

I stop and turn around. The car is still swerving and getting closer to Maud. I want to run towards him and tell him to run faster and hide. I don't know why, I just feel like I should.

But, I don't. I can't move. Until the world explodes around me.

Bang. Yelling. "Get him!"

Bang. More yelling. "Come on! Get him!"

Bang. Silence. Silence, until a body crumpled to the ground with a thud.

Then screaming. Not the screaming of someone in pain, but of triumph. I see two cars, including the one that was swerving before, drive off. I see a body on the ground. I see blood everywhere.

I just wanted to go for a run. I just wanted to get outside and be healthy again. I did. I was safe. No one chased me. No one hunted me. No one wanted me dead because of the color of my skin. I just wanted to go for a run. And so did Maud.