“Uh, I’m sorry are you talking to me?”

“Well, I don’t see no other bump on the log sitting out on this cold crisp night.”

“It’s not that cold.”

“Yes it is but when you’re in the mindset that you’re in even a cool night like this one warms the thoughts and mind, “he says before attempting to push his cart, “Don’t you worry yourself she’ll be back.”

“She?”

“Yes, “he pauses to turnaround, “You’re woman.” His revelation caused a shiver to run up her spine.

“How? Do you know me?”

Nope.”

“But how did you——.”

“Yeah…yeah I don’t know you, and I’m just some homeless bum wondering the streets but look I don’t have to know you to recognize that look on your face I know it all too well.”

“It’s that obvious huh?”

“Yup, “he says stepping away from his cart walking towards the head of the walkway entrance. His movement caused her too immediately rise to her feet in a defensive manner.

“Relax red, I am many things but an abuser of women is not one of them, “he says smiling at her.

“Sorry, it was just a natural reaction.”

“I get it all the time I’m used to it I didn’t mean to startle you but as I was on my way minding my business and the worried and scared look on your face caught my attention, so I ask you what did you do?”

“Me? Why does it have to be my fault, “Her defensive tone caused him to smirk at her, “Yeah you’re right it is my fault. I mean my intentions were good hell if I would have known things would have turned out like this I would never have pursued opening up another restaurant.”

“Oh so you’re a cook?”

“A chief.”

“All work and no play.”

“Pretty much while I’m finally making my dreams come true I’m losing her in the process.” As she spoke it was hard to conceal the pain in her voice.

“Can I share with you a quick story?”

“Sure, “she says taking a deep breath, “I have nothing but time.”

“I knew this boy he was youngest of five siblings and he grew up really poor. I mean he was so poor when he would go to school in the same clothes every day the rich kids would get jealous of his free lunch while he secretly envied their entire lives. He vowed once he got of age and was able to work he would never know what it meant to be poor ever again. In college he excelled graduating from Harvard with honors, married his college sweetheart, and became the father of two beautiful children. Even with his life complete he was still driven by wanting more and the mental fear of losing it all. So, in his mind the only way to prevent losing it all was to continue to work. The swelling of his bank account fueled his drive and while he enjoyed success as a prominent lawyer, he wasn’t aware he was losing his family. Eventually his worse fears came true, he lost his wife and children, and fell into depression he turned to drugs and alcohol anything he could snort or shoot up to rid the pain of losing what he should have valued more than his career.”