Make Way

On a quiet evening last winter, I was driving around the Public Garden. As I approached the intersection of Charles Street and Beacon, the light turned red for the crosswalk, but there wasn't a person in sight. A large rat appeared at the edge of the island and looked my way before running across into the Garden. Was it large enough to trip the light? It was certainly smart enough to wait before making its run to join the ducklings.

H. LAYMAN
Medford

HAZY NO MORE

Last summer, during my commute on a humid morning, I passed out on the B Line. One minute I felt a little woozy, and the next, I heard the announcement that "we are standing by for a medical emergency." Someone about my age took my pulse and helped me off the train. Weeks later, my roommates and I had a party, and one of the guests said, "You look so familiar! Were you the girl I helped off the train?" I couldn't remember what she looked like but admitted that I had passed out. "Thanks for your help. Are you a nurse or something?" She shook her head. "Nope, I'm your neighbor." Close enough.

SUSAN JOHNSTON
Brookline