A Patchwork of Memories

RUTH JACK

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CHIVALRY LIVES ON

The slippery streets coated with dirty slushy melting snow made crossing streets in downtown Chicago, Illinois that mid-winter day a matter of life and death. That 4:45 train home wasn't going to wait, so I dashed across the State and Madison intersection with a crowd trying to beat a red light, but half way across the light changed. Impatient motorists honked, racing their engines, with icy snow under foot panic seized me; a sudden sense of security filled me as I stepped safely to the sidewalk only to realize I was clinging tightly to a tall young man's arm. He smiled down at me, amused, and slowly releasing himself nodded a goodbye. Bewildered, for once in my life I was speechless.