Yesterday, with the welcome surprise of a burst of creative energy, I went grocery shopping. Unabashedly wearing my tell of a giant dopey smile, I started off in the produce section, my shuffling gait drawing the gaze of curious onlookers.

As my silent assessment ended, eyes gradually withdrew from my direction except for one pair. I looked up and saw a vaguely familiar face, surprisingly, with no judgment in his stare.

The man spoke. “Hi Pete, it’s Dean, Steve’s neighbor.”

As I kicked ...