I used to take the shortest way home from school. It was fast, but it was also noisy and crowded.

Last month, I tried a different street by accident. I missed one corner and found a small bakery, a quiet park, and a wall covered with flowers.

Now I take that longer route twice a week. It adds about twelve minutes to my walk, but I do not feel that I am losing time.

On the longer route, I notice small changes. A shop changes its window display. A dog sleeps in a new place. Someone leaves a blue bicycle near the same tree.

The short way gets me home quickly. The long way helps me arrive with a calmer mind. Sometimes the best route is not the fastest one.