It is lunchtime Saturday at the shopping center. The regulars are all abuzz about the grocery store having a new manager. My old boss, Jay, has gotten a promotion to regional manager. He always was a great guy who worked his ass off.
"Here come's the money," Big S tells me with a feverish grin.
"Ah, you think you can start back panhandling," I reply.
"At least for a little while," Big S says.
Ferret soon comes sauntering up with Dexter. Ferret doesn't have to panhandle. With no bills, his disability allotment keeps him in drink. And panhandling is always about addiction and not true need. Big S panhandles to help pay for his expensive premium cigarette habit.
"Damn," Ferret tells me. "It was cold as shit this morning."
"Maybe that will sober you up and you will find a home," I reply.
Ferret just laughs back at me nervously. Ferret is not interested in finding a home.
Dexter looks lost today. I worry about him hanging around Ferret. He is so impressionable.
"Dexter, I see you are wearing your Christmas sweatshirt," I say, trying to make small talk.
Dexter pulls his shirt out to show me and smiles. Dexter is perpetually broke and always digging through the dumpsters around town. The rumor is he eats from the dumpster behind the Korean restaurant.
I finally sit back on my bench and light up a cigarette. I grow so lonesome some days and the company of the gang is a Godsend. Everything is well in the life of my unorthodox friends and that makes me happy. I look at my watch and the day is still young. Much can happen while I am gone and walking home. I finally leave my friends doing what they normally do. Just another day in J-ville and it feels good.
5 comments:
Where is Rosa today? You are generally not lonely when she's around!
It sounds like when you do your routine of seeing the guys at the stores it helps you in many ways seeing how it is such a huge blessing that you are not using, I was going to ask the same question someone else did where is rosa today?
gracie has been doing the sleeping lots thing also. i think for her it is part of her age...following my lead when i sleep lots. hope that you have a good evening
that was kind of you to mention the sweatshirt to make conversation. thanks for sharing.
Another chapter woven in classic Andrew form. I enjoy these. I'm glad it was a good day at the shopping center:)
I like to read about your friends and I'm glad to know that you are happy these days.
When do you get your car back Andrew, or did I miss something on your blog?
Have a good Sunday today. :)
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