When the bus leaves without you, your feet find another path

I saw the bus pull away as I reached the stop.

My first feeling was a sharp pinch of frustration.

I thought about waiting for the next one.

But the wait was long and the day was cool.

So I decided to walk instead.

At first my legs felt heavy and slow.

But after a few blocks, something changed.

I noticed the leaves on the sidewalk.

I heard birds in a tree I never saw before.

The walk became a small gift.

I arrived later but my mind felt lighter.

Sometimes missing something is the right thing.