"How you doin'?"
I walked over to the couch and sat on it, "As best as can be expected I guess."
He nodded as the bell of the door jingled again. Wally smiled, not knowing the news, and walked over to us. "Why'd you want to meet me here Birdie?"
I patted the spot next to me on the couch and he plopped down. "Do you have a buck?" He gave me a confused look and nodded. "I was wondering if you would like to buy my car for a buck."
"You don't want your car anymore?"
I sighed, "I need to get home faster than driving and I figured you could use a car in a few years. You could do whatever you wanted with it. Sell it, keep it, use it for whatever."
"Sure." He handed me a buck. "What's going on? You seem different."
I smiled as much as I could. "There has been a death in my family. I have to go."
"Oh. I'm sorry." He looked at the floor for a moment then back at me, "Will you come back?"
I looked at Michael, who looked back at me, then back at Wally as I said, "I don't know. We will see."
He nodded and sighed, "I have to go." He got up and headed to the door, then stopped and looked at me again. "It was nice knowing you Birdie. I hope I get to see you again. If not, have a nice life." He swung open the door. The bell screamed in pain as it slammed shut.
I watched Wally run down the street, then hung my head. Michael sat next to me and rubbed my back lightly as he said, "He'll be okay."
I nodded. "I bought a plane ticket, will you take me to the airport?"
"Of course."
We drove silently to the airport. Michael walked me to the gate. I stood there looking out the window at the plane, then turned to Michael.
"Tell Mrs. Rose I said thank you. Give her a big hug for me."
"I will." He said.
I fought the tears, "Make sure Wally's okay."
"I will." He said again.
I looked at the floor then back up at him, "Take care of yourself."
"I will." He whispered.
He opened his arms and I fell into them. I closed my eyes and hung on to him. I looked up at him. He leaned forward and kissed me. I kissed him gently, closing my eyes, then pulled back. I smiled softly and picked up my bags.
"Thank you." I whispered and turned to get on the plane.
* * *