Hide & Go Seek

The other day I had an 8:00 a.m. appointment roughly 90-minutes from my hotel.

Now, I usually wake-up around 5:00 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. to get a little workout in before I begin my day. The early wake-up time was no big deal. It’s just starting the day with a 90-minute drive rather than an early morning run, or workout of some sort, which casts a much different shadow on the alarm clock buzzing.

No big deal.

I am a grown man after all. Lots of people have it worse than driving 90-minutes early in the morning every once in a while.

I woke up, got ready, and hit the road.

It was a nice calm morning on the road and an easy drive - all highway and no rush hour traffic. I was heading away from civilization.

This was actually quite relaxing.

When I arrived to the appointment, I gathered my things and headed to the door with a positive attitude and a smile.

The front door was glass. The kind of glass you can see through, but it makes everything appear as though you are looking through a kaleidoscope.

I rang the doorbell and immediately saw a figure approaching the door. It appeared to be a female.

I straightened-up and got ready to greet her with a smile.

The figure hunched-over and stared at me through the glass.

I smiled and waived.

Then, as if she thought she was invisible, she immediately ran from the doorway, shut all the lights to the house, and hid out of sight.

I waited a moment and then called the number listed for the house. Maybe, I am at the wrong house.

Not a chance. I could hear the phone ringing and my voice on the answering machine explaining who I was.

I waited for a few minutes to see how long this game of hide and seek would last.

There was no end in sight.

Whatever relaxation I felt during my 90-minute drive was gone. I confirmed this appointment days ago. I cannot believe this person is literally hiding from me. She could have easily called to cancel the appointment.

I left and went on with my day.

At about 7:00 p.m., as I drove back to my hotel, I answered a call. It was the gentleman who confirmed my 8:00 a.m. appointment with me days ago.

“I am so sorry. I forgot about the appointment this morning.”

I put on my most polite voice while mentally envisioning myself telling this joker what I really wanted to say- a skill I mastered during my days in education, both as a teacher and as an administrator.

“Oh, really, because someone was home. They came to the door, then ran away, shut the lights, and hid. It’s a shame because I drove 90-minutes to see you this morning.”

“Well,” he said in a relatively defensive tone. “These things happen.”

“Yes, sir. I guess they do.”

“Can you come back out tomorrow?”

“No, sir. My schedule is fully booked, but I will be sure the office calls to reschedule you (and I will be sure it is not with me). Have great evening.”