The Weight of It All

by N.R. Walker

Right about then, I could’ve killed Anika. When I told her, my best friend since college, that I was going to join a gym, she told me that Graham was a jerk and I didn’t need to change one thing about me. But when she realised I was adamant about losing weight, she was most encouraging. Told me it was an excellent idea! When I asked her to come and join with me, she simply patted my hand and told me not to be a fucking idiot.

“I’d thank you right now if you find that old guy in that motorised scooter.” He refused to toss the old guy out of his scooter for me, but he did smile a lot. We walked―well, he walked and I shuffled―over to the deli where he ordered chicken and fish fillets. I grabbed some meat and fish too, ignoring the cheese and antipasto deliciousness, and then we walked/hobbled to the checkout.

“Jesus Herbert Christ.”