Creative Writing: Ithaca's Short Story

We first meet on a Saturday morning in April when our paths cross as we walk into The History Center. Ithaca is experiencing a streak of delightful weather, and as my body warms to the sunlight, my soul jumps with the excitement of the day’s prospects; I am participating in an intergenerational oral history project piloted by Ithaca’s local history organization, and today is the day I’ll meet my senior. Together, we walk to the elevator, and I strike up a conversation. Katie is equally excited for this program, filled with anticipation as she prepares to meet her teen. After a mingling period and a short orientation, a wide-brimmed black hat is passed around the room to each of the seniors. With my fate in their hands, I say a silent prayer as I ready myself to meet the senior with whom I will spend hours over the course of the next few months as I learn his or her life stories. Three seniors later, the hat reaches Katie, and, surely enough, I see her glance up and meet my now-familiar gaze. …show more content…
Admittedly, my mood fell when my name was called. I knew that Katie was surely a lovely woman, but she was a bit boisterous, and simply didn’t seem like the right senior to be paired with me. Part of me wondered whether I would regret my participation in this program. Concealing my dissatisfaction, I exchanged contact information and a goodbye hug, promising to connect within the