Hubby jets off on a solo vacay, too impatient to wait for his wife. A week later, he’s back from the Bahamas and finds this…
On impulse, she turned back and walked over to him. She rummaged in her pockets, found some cash, and extended it to him. He looked up at her with his melancholic eyes.
He made no move to take the money, just went back to staring blankly into the distance. Caught off guard, Janice blurted, Excuse me, sir, might you need some assistance? She received no response. She found herself questioning her actions.
What on earth am I doing, offering help to a stranger who won’t even acknowledge me? In a desperate attempt, she suggested, Perhaps I could get you a worm tea or something? The faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of the man’s lips. Encouraged, she didn’t wait for an affirmation. She stepped into a nearby cafe, purchased a hot tea and a sandwich, and brought them back to the man.
Regardless of her own troubles, aiding the man brought a comforting feeling of accomplishment. It was as if she could momentarily set her worries aside. She handed the man the steaming cup of tea and the sandwich.
He looked up at her. This time, his eyes reflected gratitude. As she walked away, the residual warmth in her heart made her feel slightly better.
She was hailing a taxi when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to find the man standing there. I’m sorry, miss.
I forgot to express my gratitude. Thank you for your kindness. He said softly.
She responded with a faint smile. It’s no trouble at all. We all face problems in life.
I hope you find your way out of yours. Thank you. He replied.
Turning around, he slowly began to walk away. As he did, Janice noticed him shivering in the cold. A sudden urge surged within her to extend further help.
Wait, she called out after him. How about you come to my place? You can worm up there and I can make you a hot meal. The man looked taken aback.
Are you sure? I’m just a homeless man. Janice shrugged. Have you spotted any royalty here? I guess not, but it’s unusual.
Most people avoid me. People are different, that’s all. She concluded.
Janice waved down a taxi. Upon seeing her, the driver wore a friendly smile and held the door open. However, his expression shifted to unease when Janice extended her hand to help the homeless man into the vehicle.
I can’t believe it. Are you actually bringing him along? He’s not stepping foot in my car, lady. I’m sorry.
Excuse me? Janice replied, taken aback. I’m sorry, but look at him. He’s clearly not clean and he has a strong odor.
I’m going to have to cancel your ride. Who’s going to cover the cleaning costs? The driver retorted. Janice, angered by the driver’s bleating disrespect, clenched her jaw, reached into her purse, and pulled out a wad of cash.
Would this sway your opinion? She asked, handing him the money. The driver took the money, his finger swiftly counting the bills. Once he recognized the generous amount, a grin spread across his face.
All right, then, get in. The hefty amount Janice had handed the driver seemed to make him chatty. He nattered on about the weather and griped about the low fares he usually received.
Once they reached their destination, the driver sped away swiftly. Upon entering the worm house, the homeless man let out a satisfied sigh. It’s so cozy here, the man said.
I’m going to heat up some food. You’re welcome to warm up here or take a hot shower. The bathroom has towels and a rope you can use.
Thank you. I know I’m imposing, but I’ll gladly accept your offer. Things have been pretty tough, particularly without a proper bath, he admitted.
Janice questioned her sanity several times over. After all, she had invited an absolute stranger into her home. She didn’t even know his name, and now this man was in her bathroom.
Regardless of how many times she questioned her decision, she couldn’t find a logical explanation. It was a spur-of-the-moment choice. Her life would never be the same from this day forward.
She was just putting the finishing touches on the table when the man emerged from the bathroom, fresh and clean. Janice gawked in surprise and finally remarked, You look like a different person, he chuckled in response. Janice had managed to set the table in the meantime.
As Dylan, the guest who had unexpectedly filled the chair usually occupied by Sean, tasted the warm meal, he complimented its flavors. His words weren’t just a passing comment, but genuine praise about the deliciousness of the food. As she listened to him, Janice had an epiphany…