The conscience notion of time engrained in my head that I defend vigorously, regardless of the many times advocated by others to loose it, even in part, by either direct challenge or by vague and subtle astute rhetoric advocated by an opponent of time conscience, concealed, and therefore, overwritten the lax character and blasé attitude that I could endorse. It is something that I regard in full admiration of, for I refuse to waver on condition that time can be neglected upon even advocated by a higher authority while the authority is a subconscious inkling requesting a détente. In quick strides overcame my minor obstacles in acquiring a vehicle to visit the family to arrive promptly at 13h30. I often find the time surrounding my being neglected at the hands of others, for I consciously observe, sometimes admitting neglect myself, the rules of every minute. A 13h30 became 13h45 then transferred to a 14h00 o’clock arrival only to rendez-vous with the family a quarter past. Had I fiercely fought for 13h30 overcoming challenges that would have enticed neglect and abuse made upon others, my time would have still required a 45 minute détente until the full rendez-vous could be completed is a matter of a higher making.

Emily and I found the family completing their laundry at a local laundry-mat. Had I arrived sooner, I would be waiting dizzied by the rapid forward movement of time and the cycle of a clothing dryer. Regardless, it’s a trait worth keeping. We hurried Arkiband and his mother into the car as if Emily and I executed a perfect kidnapping. We rushed them back to their flat to allow them to change and gather some warm clothing. My eye watching the ever-persistent clock while the noise of the parking light indicator sounded in my ear. The two o’clock hour was withering away, less time to experience the nonchalant freedom of ice-skating at the public skate at the Robert Crown center in Evanston that occurs only once a week.

Arkiband’s mother watched with amusement behind the glass dividing the ice-skaters from the general seating area. She clapped and laughed with great amusement watching her son ice skate for the very first time. I was glad the direction of criticism in his ability to ice skate was directed at Arkiband. It was years since I had last stepped out onto the ice. My childhood came to the foreground in my inner most thoughts. My stamina on the ice faltered at times, but that was the least of my troubles. Arkiband began to learn to skate. It is an experience that requires patience, curiosity and a slight tolerance for pain as a result of a minor fall or two or perhaps three by Arkiband. Within the period of an hour and a half, Emily and I witnessed the birth of an ice-skater. The encouragement and persistence of the coaches Arkiband had were determined to see him enjoy the freedoms of entertainment that is available to any thirteen year old in this city. The event marked, as I hoped, a permanent memory.