“He apologized right and he got his family back?”

“After years of hitting rock bottom abusing drugs and alcohol he finally got cleaned and hoped to make a mends with his family.”

“Hoped?”

“Yup hoped.”

“Okay so what happened?”

“He never got the chance to, two days before he planned to secretly surprise them to show he had gotten his life back on track they were all killed in a tragic car accident.” His words left her speechless but she eventually found her voice.

“So whatever happened to the guy? Is he still alive?”

“The guy oh yeah he’s alive in fact depending on where you are you can find him wondering around pushing a Target basket collecting glass bottles he recycles to afford fresh yellow Chrysanthemums to place on the graves of his wife and children.” Realizing the man shared with her his story she couldn’t prevent the tears that swelled in her eyes.

“Why did you tell me that story?”

“I was like you driven in chasing my career worried only about financial stability I lost the three things worth more than anything money could buy.”

“I’m not like you.”

“Does your woman feel neglected? Alone? Opening of your restaurant has become your main priority? She fights for your attention? You’re company?”

“Shut up, “she says with tears rolling down her face as the man spoke truths.

“I loved my wife and children and no matter how many times I would tell them it meant nothing because I failed to show them and when I was finally able to it was too late they were taken from me. I walk and breathe but in the inside I’m no more alive than they are, it’s been 15 years and the pain and guilt I feel today hurts the same as it did the day they died.”

“Please stop, “she says, “I love her more than anything it is not my intention to make her feel like she’s not the number priority in my life if I were to lose her I don’t know what I would do!”

“Look, I do not speak these things to upset you, “he says in a calm tone.

“Then why are you!?”

“Whatever is broken between you too see that its fix before it’s too late, “he says turning around walking towards his cart. Placing both hands on the handle he pushes it slowly. Seeing him walk off she walks down from the steps to the entrance of the walkway.