I was still smiling about the leaves, the beauty of the coincidence, when I pulled up to the parking meters downtown. There were several empty spots, but I headed toward one that still had time on the meter. As I drew near, I saw that there was a stray dog sleeping on the side of the road right in the middle of the parking space. I sat with my car idling for a moment, half waiting to see if the dog would move and half wondering about the odds of his taking that particular spot. In the end, I moved on and paid full fare.

Before shopping, I needed to get some lunch. The small grocery has a nice deli counter and I decided to get something there. Walking along, I couldn't help but follow the movements of the leaves. I found myself imagining their destinations based in the different routes they were following through the streets. My musing was interrupted by the appearance of a large fly buzzing along to my left, and as I turned toward the automatic doors at the entrance to the deli, I was surprised to see the fly turn also and then fly straight into the store. I thought I even detected a slight pause in its flight, just before the doors opened. As I waited for my lunch, I checked every counter and case and didn't see any flies. Anyway, I never noticed flies in there before. I couldn't help wondering whether I was noticing odd coincidences or seeing the something more.

Outside on the patio with my lunch, I kept an eye out for more flies or any sign that they were a common sight around the deli, but I didn't see any. Instead, I noticed a large group of small birds congregating on the strip of lawn next to the sidewalk. I was surprised that they weren't begging for my crumbs and was wondering what better food could be found in the grass when suddenly the sprinklers came on. On cue, the birds began preening and bathing in the mist. They were a lovely sight amidst the rainbows, and I watched them until the sprinklers fell silent and the birds departed as suddenly as they had appeared.

I picked up my groceries and made my way back to the car. As I waited for the crosswalk signal to change, I noticed a pigeon standing on the opposite street corner. My signal turned green, and as I stepped up next to the pigeon, I had the sudden impulse to push the crosswalk button for the bird. I quickly pushed it and continued straight down the street. I felt rather silly and so kept myself from watching to see if the bird crossed on the green light. But I couldn't help glancing back before turning off the street. The bird was gone from the corner. I thought maybe I spotted it on the other side of the street sitting at a bus stop, but I couldn't be sure.

As I unlocked my car, I looked along the gutter for the sleeping dog. The meter had expired and the dog was gone. Driving home, I felt the need to talk to someone, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to say. Staring out at the traffic, I spotted a spider tucked next to the windshield wiper, using it as shelter from the wind. Perhaps, I thought, that is what I would say-"Do spiders have intentions?" But I suddenly felt as if I knew the answer. As I climbed out of the car with my groceries, I leaned down to the spider and told her. "This is the end of the road." Sure enough, she had made a web in the hedge the next morning.
A5(8)