Still, no big deal, but it was special to me because that’s what Natasha often wore.  Natasha was young and pretty, an exchange student.  I’m guessing she was cutting school to go to Curves because I went mornings and she’d be there.  She was so young and vibrant with blond hair, blue eyes, and a nice figure like only the young seem to have.  She was friendly too and outgoing.  She was fun to have with us.

There is about 47 years between us.  I weight about twice what she does.  In Zumba class she’d take position in the front line in front of the teacher.  I’d watch her from my spot in the back corner that I chose because I couldn’t do the moves as fast as the class and I didn’t want to get in anyone’s way.  I wasn’t ashamed of not being able to do Zumba as well as everyone else.  But to ignore my slowness and my awkwardness I’d watch Natasha in the front row.

She had so much energy.  To keep going, I’d pretend I was as good as her.  I really envied her youth and vitality.  I wanted to pretend I had that too.

Natasha has gone back to her home country now.  I still think of her when I wear my pink and grey outfit that’s something like the outfit she used to wear.  While I exercise I pretend to be Natasha.  I pretend so I don’t have to think about getting tired before my two circuits (30 minutes) are done.  When I pretend I work a little harder and the time goes faster.  I enjoy the workout a lot more.  I get more exercise, because Natasha never got tired.  Natasha just toweled  away the sweat and went on to her next project.

So, today I wore the pink and grey sweats with the pink Tshirt and I pretended I was Natasha.  I do pretty good for an old lady.

Marilynne