Words Get In the Way Read Online Free PDF Page A

her surprise, the only color she saw was purple, and the peanut butter she found in the cabinet hadn’t even been opened yet. She still needed to go back out to the store, though, and pick up bread and milk and what little else her last five dollars would buy.

6
    L inden sat on the tailgate of his truck in the hazy morning sun, studying the worn tread of his racers. He knew they would get him through the annual Firecracker 5K, but if he ever started running again he would definitely need to invest in some new shoes. He’d been wearing the same pair since high school and, over the years, they’d molded to his feet. At one time he’d considered having them resoled, but then he decided that no cobbler could ever replicate the classic Bowerman tread unless, of course, he used a hot waffle iron. He’d also considered sending the shoes back to Nike for resoling, but then he’d imagined the amused look on the face of the service agent who received them and speculated on the chances of having the same shoes returned to him. Nike would probably just send him their latest model with a note of regret. He had pictured his old shoes carelessly discarded in a garbage can and decided it was too risky.
    He loosened his laces, slipped on his shoes, and gingerly pulled the laces tight, praying they wouldn’t break. Then he dropped off the tailgate, stretched, and thought about the previous year’s race. He’d traversed the rolling three-mile course with his former high school cross-country coach and English teacher, Asa Coleman. Mr. Coleman also owned the cabin where Linden lived, and in lieu of rent, Linden maintained the property for him and took care of any small carpentry jobs that arose.
    His presence at the cabin also discouraged teenagers and rabble-rousers from breaking in and having parties and starting fires in the stone fireplace, an occurrence that had happened regularly when the cabin was unoccupied. Now Linden hoped to see his former coach again so he could talk to him about a couple of housekeeping projects that needed attention. He turned to lift the tailgate and saw Jon Connor trotting toward him. “Well, well, if it isn’t the legendary Linden Finch!” Jon teased, stopping to shake hands. “How’s it hangin’?”
    Linden glanced inside the front of his shorts and shook his head in dismay. “Limp, as always.”
    Jon laughed. “That’s what I’ve heard.”
    Linden smiled. “How’ve you been?”
    “Fine, actually, really fine.” Jon grinned. “I’m gettin’ married.”
    “No!” Linden teased. “Who’s the unfortunate soul?”
    Jon laughed again. “She’s back at the house. We got in last night—had to do the whole separate bedroom thing.” He rolled his eyes. “By the way, my parents said you might grace us with your presence tonight.”
    Linden grinned. “I might.”
    “Well, you definitely should. Then you can meet her.” Jon paused. “By the way, nice job on the wall.”
    “Thanks.”
    “So, are you showing off today or just out for fun? I can’t keep up if you’re showing off again.”
    Linden laughed and turned toward town. “Nope, just out for fun.”
    Jon fell into step beside him, caught sight of his old running shoes, and shook his head in dismay. “Please tell me you aren’t still wearing those tired old Prefontaine racers? Don’t you think it’s time to break down and invest in some new shoes?”
    “It’s crossed my mind,” Linden answered with a glance down at Jon’s pristine New Balance trainers.
    Runners were already lining up when they turned the corner onto Main Street, and although Linden saw several old teammates, there was no sign of his former teacher and coach. Moments later, the cannon boomed and Linden started his watch. He and Jon started off at an easy pace, but when runners started to pass them, Linden patted Jon on the back and said, “See you at the finish!” He pulled away, picking up his pace considerably.
    A short time later, he crossed the