Cease

Location: Midway between Young and Queen Street on Ahrens in Kitchener

Description: A expired parking meter.

Story: After the applause, Mr. Dunham was directed offstage. Congratulations were given along with refreshments, and their appropriate responses were returned in kind. He walked over to the bathroom and entered a stall, locking it and sitting down.

Inside, he was transitioning. He breathed deeply and closed his eyes, remembering how the talk had gone and putting it in the past. What had he said? How had the audience responded? Everything had gone well, and there were certain bits he'd reuse in the future, very few that he'd cut. Yes, it had gone well and he was sure he covered all the points he planned. He exhaled and smiled deeply, releasing the happiness he felt all evening, but was only able to fully express now.

It was time to store that knowledge and move onto greeting the attendees. A moment more and he locked away the evening, content in everything and resolving not to second guess any detail. He had reached his conclusion and his focus should be on the reception, not rehashing things. He looked at his watch (1 more minute would be fine) and opened the stall.

He walked over to the sink and washed his hands, then took a moment to admire the water bead on his fingers before falling off. Little things like this happened all the time, and he needed to take them in when he had the chance. He sighed, at peace. It  was what it was: the lecture was over, the reception beginning, and he was happy. He nodded; just as it should be.