A Good Deed | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: A Good Deed | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ken Grant
01/16/20
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Sitting pensively at his desk, Andy watched the last few seconds tick off the clock as his lunch hour approached. Then, as the time arrived, he rose to his feet and made his way steadily toward the front door as his other co-workers scattered. He sometimes ate lunch with a couple of buddies, but today he was on his own. Money was tight so he would walk. Besides, he needed the exercise. Nearing the closest sandwich shop, he pulled out his wallet and assessed his situation. It wasn't much, but it was enough for today. He crossed at the corner and maneuvered around a large group from a nearby business, but as he did he nearly crashed into a homeless man leaning against a wall. He stopped and considered giving the man an earful, but after taking a good look at his dirty clothing and getting a whiff of his stench, Andy's attitude changed. Kneeling down in front of the man who peered back with tired eyes, Andy asked, "you interested in something to eat?"

"What's the catch?" A gravelly voice responded.

"No catch," Andy replied simply.

"There's always a catch."

"Not this time," Andy said standing to his feet and holding out a hand for the man to take.

The wait was long. The man was not quick to trust. Understandable given his current state of life. Then, slowly, the man put out a hand for Andy to take. Andy lifted the man to his feet. It wasn't a difficult feat given the man's emaciated state.

The man gathered his few belongings and the two of them walked slowly to the sandwich shop. As they entered, Andy said, "grab a corner table and I'll get the food."

"Okay," the man said softly before shuffling away.

Andy walked toward the counter. What should he do? He didn't have enough for both of them. There really wasn't a decision. He ordered what he would have for himself, grabbed an extra water cup, filled them both, and moved to the table where the man sat looking suspiciously about.

"Here you go," Andy said sitting down and putting one of the water cups in front of the man. "I didn't get your name."

"Ralph," the man replied gulping the water down.

"I'm Andy."

"Doing your good deed for the day, Andy."

"Something like that."

"You a Christian?"

"I am."

"You want me to become one too?"

"I do, but that's something you need to work out in your own time. I just want you to get a decent meal."

The server arrived with the food. She placed it in front of Andy and he smiled as she walked off before sliding it over to Ralph.

"What are you eating, Andy?"

"I had a big breakfast. This is for you."

Ralph stared, but then dug in with ferocity. He downed the sandwich in only a few bites as Andy finished off his water. The two sat in silence before Ralph said, "thank you, Andy."

"You're welcome. I hope things get better for you, Ralph."

"That would be nice."

Andy checked his watch and said, "I need to get back. It was nice meeting you."

"Same here."

Andy rose, nodded, and headed back. It wasn't the lunch he had expected, but something better. Reaching his desk back at work, he sat down realizing that he would have to get through the rest of the day with a growling stomach. It would be a reminder that there was a cost to making a difference, but the reward was surely worth it. He was hungry yet happy and that was a very good thing.

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