The crossing guard

For 18 years I’ve been living in a town in Catalonia whose main street has been “under construction” in one form or another.

The latest refurbishment project is a big one. The street has been closed off to traffic for months and pedestrians cross over by stepping on various covers and pieces of wood laid across gaping holes.

Each time I negotiate the obstacle course at the same crossing point, the same young woman is standing in the middle of the unmade street.

She wears a construction company gilet and a Mona Lisa smile.

She doesn’t seem to do anything but stand there, watching people cross with rapt attention. The other day my curiosity got the better of me and I asked her what her role was.

“I’m here to make sure everyone crosses safely,” she said. “It’s especially tricky for elderly people, so I help them if necessary.”

I don’t know how many hours she spends each day watching people cross the street in case they need help.

But I am sure that with her calm confidence, constant eye contact, and a slight smile that says, “I’m here for you” – she is totally present to her task.

Photo by Miguel Teirlinck on Unsplash