Summer Afternoons

Kathryn Nicolai offers a unique take on the languid charm of summer afternoons, blending reality with a romantic and imaginative outlook that paints everyday moments with the potential for magic and adventure.

The narrator romanticizes the idea of summer afternoons as a time of possibility and adventure

As a teenager, the narrator was enchanted by the very word "afternoon" with its unhurried and languorous connotations. Nicolai reminisces about wearing long, flowing skirts, reading poetry on park benches, and letting her imagination turn ordinary afternoons into serendipitous escapades. She recalls, "Summer Afternoons When I was a teenager, I loved the idea of afternoons. I even liked the word. It sounded... ...langorous. A nice long word with plenty of possibility in it."

As a teenager, the narrator was drawn to the languorous, dreamy nature of afternoons and envisioned them as opportunities for poetry, wandering, and serendipitous happenings

During this phase, her life was imbued with a sense of Romanticism, as regular afternoons seemed ripe with promise for impromptu adventures. She says, "Thinking back on it now. It was part of a phase I'd been going through. Of Romanticism. I wore dresses with long, floaty skirts, and read poetry on park benches, and daydreamed about how an ordinary afternoon could turn into an adventure."

Even as an adult, the narrator maintains a sense of romanticism about everyday moments, continuing to daydream about the potential of summer afternoons

Even as an adult, the narrator retains her romantic notions, still finding joy in the concept of afternoons. These periods of the day, following the rush of responsibilities, hold untapped potential for leisurely pursuits like enjoying an iced coffee at a café.

The narrator's rich inner world and tendency to spin stories about her surroundings

The narrator's imagination remains as lively as ever, often finding herself concocting scenarios like finding a mysterious key that could unravel a hidden ...

The narrator describes her day-to-day involvement at the local bakery and her tranquil walks through town, highlighting her love for small-town life and the contentment she finds in simple, daily routines.

The narrator's work at the Lord Bakery, including her morning duties and the midday lull

The narrator spends her mornings immersed in the warm, fragrant atmosphere of a bakery, helping to prepare a delectable array of baked goods for the day's hungry customers.

The narrator helps prepare baked goods and pack up orders during the busy morning hours

The narrator arrives early at the bakery a few days a week to help bake and prepare various items such as muffins, bagels, and doughnuts for the morning rush. She meticulously glazes donuts, slices the bread for sandwiches, and packs the strawberry rhubarb pies into their inviting white boxes, tying them with string. The narrator takes pleasure in her role, staying just long enough to help the bustling bakery manage through the peak hours and a bit beyond, ensuring every customer walks away with their desired treats.

As the rush subsides in the afternoon, the bakers offer the workers a communal meal, which the narrator partakes in

As the lunchtime crowd dwindles and the 86 board fills with chalked-out sold items, the baker extends a heartfelt gesture to the staff, offering to make sandwiches as their shifts wind down. The narrator always accepts, savoring the baker's latest experiment with freshly-baked pita bread, stuffed with a thin, tangy veggie slaw dressed in green goddess dressing, topped with avocado and sprinkled with flaky salt. Alongside, they enjoy the sweet remnants of date bars, the offcuts trimmed to create perfect squares. Sharing this moment of rest and nourishment with a fellow helper at the small bakery table, they both exhale, content with a job well done and some time to recharge.

The narrator's reflective afternoon walk through the town

After her shift, the narrator meanders through town, finding solace in a routine that juxtaposes her structured hours at the bakery.

The narrator strolls along the railroad tracks, a spot she finds romantic, and ponders the possibilities of spontaneous travel

With an air of whimsy, the narrator takes a leisurely stroll by the r ...

Kathryn Nicolai shares her observations and musings during a leisurely walk through her neighborhood, reflecting on the simple, unexpected interactions that add depth to her daily life.

The narrator's encounter with a dog and its owner, sparking her imagination

As the narrator walks through the woods, she hears a screen door slam and a dog being called, piquing her curiosity about the person's activities

The narrator walks behind old houses, hearing a screen door bang shut. Nicolai listens for signs of people emerging from their homes, ensuring she respects their privacy while satisfying her curiosity. She's on public land and tries not to intrude or be caught off guard. Sounds of rustling and footsteps emerge, and she wonders about the person's afternoon: perhaps they are foraging for ripe huckleberries in the woods or sneaking to a clandestine meeting, avoiding the visibility of streets and sidewalks.

The narrator imagines the simple pleasures of the dog walker's afternoon, contrasting it with her own fanciful daydreams

The door bangs again and a young voice calls "Clover, walkies," piercing the silence. Nicolai catches a glimpse of Clover, a golden retriever with a blue collar, excitedly spinning and rushing back home. As she continues her walk and hears the screen door again, she imagines the dog and his owner beginning their walk together. Nicolai's imagination takes flight, picturing a simple leash hanging on a hook, a shared sandwich with a friend, and daydreams along the railroad tracks. They aren’t the most extraordinary adventures she’s ever conceived, but they bring her joy.

The narrator's contentment with her current life and anticipation for what the future may hold

The narrator reflects that her imaginative afternoon explorations, while not the ...