(intro for a short story, to be explored further!)

Nearly Home

He started the final round fifteen minutes before closing time. In April this was 8.45pm, as dusk was descending and the air starting to cool. His favourite time of the year. He hopped into the motorised buggy, clicked into gear and set off.

Thoughts now turned to supper and what herself would have ready. He loved stepping inside the back door and the waft of hearty cooking filling his nostrils. Now as he started up the gentle hill on the far side of the park, his eyes scanned the wide open spaces for stragglers.

‘Park closing in five minutes folks’ was his standard line, each word bellowed with conviction. Two joggers in garish colours seemed to jump slightly twenty yards ahead on the path as they heard the call, their pace instantly quickening as they strived to complete the final lap before turning towards home. He scooted along down the gentle slope on the far side of the park, always enjoying the winding turns in this section as he steered the buggy this way and that.

Down the long gentle path now and back towards the main entrance. He always passed by the elderly couple and their Scottish terriers around the same spot. He gave them his usual disapproving nod for their tardiness; they returned their usual cheery wave. He smiled too, despite himself.

He whistled to himself  as he approached the last hedgerow closest to the entrance. Two starlings caught his eye as they took flight, disturbed from their perch. He watched their ascent momentarily, and failed to spot two shadows crouched under the hedge. They lay in wait for cover of darkness, planning to see him again soon.