BYGONE ECHOES

The sun rose over the district precisely at 06:00. The golden light reflected through regulators to simulate an early morning haze. Soon as the city awoke, the streets hummed to life. Hovercars glided on invisible tracks. Shops flickered with light. In the distance, a bell signaled the start of the day. Even though the city was just waking up, my day didn’t start till 07:30. I bent down to check the laces of my shoes which never seemed to come un-done no matter how many times I went on my walk. My path took me past many different areas and buildings, all the same sights and people.

First person I saw in the early morning was Mr. Hollow, who always got ready in front of the mirror adjusting his tie, frowning at the asymmetry. Tugging it loose, he redid the knot. After grabbing his car keys, he kissed his wife goodbye and left for work. We could see each other once he passed me, giving a polite wave. We both went about our day… our same routines.

As I continued walking across the city, my next stop was Ms. Nex. She was always in a rush down the steps of her apartment, briefcase in hand, just barely reaching the tram. The doors hissed shut in front of her. She exhaled a sigh of relief after just missing it once again like always.

Later at 10:00, I reached the third stop of my journey, filled with many units going about their day in the park. Children laughed and played in unison. An old man sat on a bench feeding the same number of pigeons gathered around the fountain. A waiter wiped down the tables outside of a café, setting menus out in practiced efficiency.

I could hear the city beating, but was it alive?

At exactly 12:00, I stood by on the sidewalk watching people have their lunch at the same spots right on time. Mr. Hollow sat at the Clockwork café, sipping on the same usual caramel macchiato he’s gotten every time he visited. Ms. Nex scrolled through her phone, liking posts from friends and family she’s never met in person. The children paused from playing, took out their lunches and all took a synchronized bite, one after another. Last the old man feeding the birds, pulled out a sandwich that was carefully cut and prepared as always just for him.

Continuing my path, birds flew in an identical loop. Hard to notice unless you watch the patterns. No one ever questioned why the air always smelled like spring, even during the winter. We never asked why there were no funerals.

At 17:30, the workday ended. The sky’s color shifted into a carefully rendered evening. Streetlights flickered on and off, bathing the sidewalks in a warm dim glow. For me at 18:00, I found myself walking back to my first area. Mr. Hollow has returned home. Inside he kissed his wife, placed his keys by the door. They sat for dinner, a meal that was always cooked just right each time and talked about their day.

Now for me, I ended my day walking back over to the sidewalk I began my journey on. I position myself just right and wait like a manikin or soldier waiting for orders to move once again.

None of us would know we lived the same day over, or that we will live it again the next day and the day after that… And the day after that… Forever.

JT has lived all his life in the relaxing sunny state of Florida. Using his unique point of view as a photographer, he meets many different types of people from conventions and expos. JT enjoys showing many ways of being creative, he currently studies to bring out his ideas through writing. Photography Instagram: @sleepingkumaphotography