The Finish Line

I worked out today. While I was working out there was some worker fixing a machine that I have never used so I didn't really care what was wrong with it. I did, however, have to use the machine next to it. Of course it had to be the ab machine, my worst enemy. I always do it last because then I allow myself to take my merry old time. So as I am waiting as long as possible until I have to do another set I watch the guy next to me work and work. Every so often he looks at me and shakes his head in disappointment. I don't know what was wrong with it but I didn't say anything.

Just stared.

Eventually I realized that he needed some help but I still didn't say anything. I just finished my last set of my ab workout and walked away. I usually pack up and walk out but today I went to the drinking fountain because I was thirsty. This meant that I had to walk by the worker again. He was looking around, I think for a helping hand, so I kept staring because I was intrigued who would help him. I think we made eye contact but I looked away so he wouldn't notice my staring.

As I started walking away I realized how uncomfortable I had become with socializing with other people. I realized how uncomfortable I was with myself. So I was led to go help the guy out. I walked up to him and said, "Hey, you need some help?"

He didn't reply, just nodded.

He was trying to pull off this piece from the top of the machine and it wasn't going so well. I got on the other side of the machine and waited for my instructions. If he pulled the piece off to hard he would fall off the railing he had climbed up on and would probably break something. He told me later that he would like save his back. So he was in this weird position pulling this top part out slowly. Eventually, he got it out without falling over. He then handed it to me. He went back onto the floor and grabbed the piece from me. Then he spoke. He had an Australian accent, but didn't talk like it. He put the piece down and said,

"Let this be an encouragement for you to finish college, dude. I mean it, you don't want to be doing what I'm doing. So finish college dude."

His encouragement worked. I consider him a wise man and a philosopher.