Here it was..another night of cold weather..what in the world was I to do..I was staying in my car..and with the money I had I sure did not want to throw it away on a room or a motel and in as much wasting gas to drive here and there..and I sure could not run the car heater all the time..things were hard..but looking back I had brought a lot of this on myself..I had lost my job..and home..my wife had left me..and although we did not have children..this had been my life for some years now..a home..to call my own.. I fumbled in my coat pocket for a cigarette..I did not have many left..and even if it were a bad habit to smoke while I still had them I had better enjoy the smoking habit since before long there would not be any..the money I had was not a lot compared to what I had been use too..but more than some had on their person..but I sure was not going to waste any if I could help it who would know when those unemployment checks would start..or if I could ever get one with no forwarding address.. Thinking back I wondered how this all happened..I had been working for a firm which had all the future to look forward too..my life was in order..and I was making more money than I though ever possible in my lifetime..I had money saved..all my bills were paid..and most of all I owned was paid for except the home which we had built..Ruth my wife..and I had many years of saving..and when the right time came we built our dream home..we were so proud.. Now shivering in the car..I still could not imagine that I had nothing..a few clothes..the car..and some money..and I knew this was it..and would have to last me..with the outcome of all that had happened these past few weeks I dare not waste a dime..now I understood how people became homeless..and had no place to go except the streets.. I was not sure where to go or where to stay..and most of all where it would be safe..I was a lost lamb among wolves..here in this town of so many..I wanted to make things right go back to where it was normal again..and finally did muster up the spirit to go to the little diner I had seen a block or two down the road for a warm cup of coffee..maybe this would give me time to think..I was still blaming Ruth although it was not her fault..but why had she not stood beside me..I thought when you were married..your partner was to stick by you think and thin..in health and in sickness..well Ruthie as I called her could not wait to leave once the road was rocky..and in as much told me this..well good 'bye'...still the pain of her leaving was there in my mind.. Pulling into the cafe' I walked into the little diner sitting in a booth..and a nice older lady came to wait on me.."cup of coffee please" and with out saying a word to me she went behind the counter brought the serving pot and a clean cup and saucer and poured me a steaming cup of coffee.it was hot and good..I felt it warm my insides..as it went down..and wondered why I had not come here earlier..I don't know how long I had sat there starring out the window but was finally jolted back to reality when this waitress ask would I like some more coffee..and I nodded yes.. "I hope you don't mind me asking you..and this is out of the way..she was saying to me ..I do not usually ask people questions..but you look so familiar..I know I have seen you someplace before..have you been in here before..or am I mistaken" I looked up at the lady with the sparking eyes and nice warm smile..and felt as thought I had know here all my life..I did not feel uneasy about the question..or the presumption that I had been here before.. "As a young boy I was raised in this area years ago..I was telling her..then moved away..and for some reason..I don't know why.. I have come back here"..but I never did realize until tonight while sitting here looking out the windown that this was my home a long time ago..something just pulled me here I guess..the streets are changed now..but this area pretty well looks the same.. "What is you name if you don't mind me asking the lady was saying..after telling her my name..she sat down and looked at me.."so your little Johnny Walker..well I do declare..it has been twenty years I would say since I last saw you playing around the old railroad yard..you and Tim Hathaway..and George Smith..you three were always together..I knew I had seen you someplace..do you remember ...and then another customer came drifting in for something to eat..well I sat there in amazement..how long had it been..and who was she..her face did remind me of someone..but who... With not much to do on waiting on her new customer and getting paid..he departing..she came back to the table with the pot of coffee and pouring my cup full..and herself one as well she said..you do remember Ruth Tangredge..she is my niece..it has been years since I saw here after her mom and my sister passed on..guess she was to high and mighty to come slumming to see any of her kin people.." Now I knew..this was her Auntie Ann..the one I thought so much of when we were going together in high school..gosh that had been a million years ago...and all this time she was working here and I did not know it.. I picked up her frail hand in mine..and said Auntie Ann...I do remember you..I was the one who married your niece Ruth..unfortunately that is over now..and I am trying to get back on my feet..I have no home..job or anything else much to say is mine..but I have a lot of spirit..and that I hope will take me far enough to start over again.. We sat and looked at each other..and I noticed a nice warm smile on her face..after a few moments she began.."well you sure came to the right place tonight..God must have sent you here for me..you see..I own this little piece of ground..soon the new thoroughfare is coming through here..and I need someone to help me get my new place on the road..and start my new business would you be interested..I would give you � forty nine percent..since I am the owner..I will keep fifty one per cent she was laughing now..I have been offered a great sum of money for the property here..and before I will let it be condemned and taken for nothing..I have decided to start another little coffee shop..updated..and all the new furnishing ..not this little old drab diner..but this has given me money throughout the years..and I really cannot complain..how about it..you won't be disappointed..and I know this is new to you..but your a smart man..and it won't take you long to get the new ropes on this type of work..and further more..if this does not work..and we cannot make a go of this I will still give you your share of the monies worth.. I had to say YES..this was going to be fantastic..my mind was already clicking..and although it sure was something to learn..I had the feeling it would work.. Now that has been nearly fifteen years ago..the franchise is doing complimentary amounts of income..and there is money that Auntie Ann could have never ever foreseen in her lifetime..she is retired now..and travels..having the life she has always dreamed of.. Me.. well if you like chicken..and the nice thoughts of home cooking..you have come to the right place..I am happy..married..and have two wonderful children...my life now has been easier than I ever thought possible..and if and when there is ever a situation as before I will be prepared..not left holding the bag..so to speak..hard work..the pursuit of wanting..and dedication..with a lot of love and prayers can make anything possible..I am proof of that...Oh it is good going home!!!
By Kyusha�� 1999
