© Copyright 2006 by Charlotte Ann Zuzak

A year later a well-dressed older man put some money in the pocket of a homeless man in New York City with the admonishment not to spend it on booze. He continued down the street, his eye caught by an attractive middle-aged woman staring into store windows. He couldn’t believe it.

“Lily,” he called. She turned and gasped when she saw him.

“Jesse! What are you doing here?”

“I’m showing my work in a gallery on Fifth Avenue. But what are you doing here?”

“I just signed a contract to publish my poetry. The volume is entitled “On the Street.” What do you think it’s about?” She smiled teasingly.

They went to a small restaurant for lunch where she opened her briefcase and pulled out a copy of her publication. “For you, Jesse. Read the dedication.”

He took the book and carefully opened it. “To Jesse with love and for what he is.” Jesse wiped his eyes and set the book carefully aside.

“It’s nice that I didn’t have to mail it. I like delivering things in person.”

“How about coming to the gallery to see my work?”

“I’d love it! Maybe I’ll see a piece to get for my son’s birthday. He’s going to law school in the fall, so I’ll have a lawyer in the family, too.”

“So life is good, Lily?”

“Oh, yes, Jesse. And today is one of the nicest days of my life.”

“I have a showing in Philadelphia next month. Could I see you then?”

“I would like that very much, “ she whispered. “Annie and I have missed you.”

“Likewise Jimmy and I. What if I brought him?”

“We’d love it. I have a small house with a big yard, so it would be great.”

“I haven’t forgotten you, Lily.”

“Slowly does it, Jesse. Each minute, each hour, each day.”

THE END


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