Kindness


By Kiyofox
Thursday Prompt, 365 word challenge






Madeline felt her cell buzz, and pushed her walker closer to the edge of the busy metropolitan sidewalk before pulling the phone from her pocket. She barely glimpsed the message from her daughter before a hasty passerby bumped her. The phone slipped from her fingers as she frantically grabbed for the walker.
The old tabby latched onto a handle, but her balance was off. The walker shot away under her weight. Several pill bottles spilled from her purse when she landed on the sidewalk.
Madeline watched in horror as her walker skidded off the curb into traffic. The frame was crushed like an eggshell by a lumbering parcel truck.
Transfixed by the carnage, tears welled in her yellow eyes.
“Excuse me, madam,” a deep voice intoned above her head, “I saw you fall. Are you alright?”
“What?” she asked, confused.
Her gaze climbed up the large black wolf offering his hand.
“Here, miss,” he said, grasping her arm.
The black lupin gently pulled her up with relative ease, but did not let go. Madeline felt a strange sense of reassurance from the intimidating figure towering over her.
“Oh, thank you,” she said with gratitude.
“My pleasure,” he replied. “Can I get you a taxi or something?”
“I was actually headed to the cafe just up the block to meet my daughter,” Madeline replied. “I think I can probably manage.” She looked down at her scattered purse. “I need to gather-”
The wolf stooped, retrieved the phone, scooped the loose bottles into her purse, and pressed the bag into her hands.
“Here you go, miss. Can I escort you to your destination, I’m currently free?”
“That would be wonderful, thank you so much,” she said with evident relief.
The pair headed up the block unhurried, the old tabby leaning on the wolf’s arm for support. She marveled how the crowd parted around the confident and relaxed wolf.
“I really appreciate your kindness,” she smiled up at him, “but I don’t even know your name.”
“Alexander,” he said, casting a smile in her direction, “but you can call me Xander if you like.”
“You’re a blessing, Xander,” she smiled back. “My name is Madeline, Maddy for short.”