As Haylie walked home, she could feel the hovercars passing over her, though she was staring at the ground.
She was tired of all the commotion. The streets were crowded. Full of people who could care less about her. She looked up. Stared at the people who didn’t know her.
She turned down a side alley, her usual shortcut. She saw a man selling umbrellas at a small stand near the entrance of the alley. She smiled.
“Mr.Woo, you know it’s not raining, right?”
Mr. Woo said, “Ah, yes, but you never know! Life is very unpredictable!”
Mr. Woo had the habit of selling the most unconventional things. His inventory changed just about every week.
“Life in this city isn’t unpredictable! They practically plan everything for you. Go where they tell you, do what they tell you…”
“You still do what you want, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I guess. In the little free time I have. That reminds me, I’m late for dinner!” And she took off running down the street.
“Don’t let them discourage you, Haylie!” Mr. Woo’s voice called after her.