A story; short and true

A boy walks past an elderly homeless man shaking his cup full of coins. The boy stops.

“Ah shit, I gotchu man. You doing alright?”

He pulls out a few dollars.

“Thank you, thank you.”

I keep walking.

“Yeah man, I gotchu. Hey, man. You believe in God?”

I’m a few steps ahead of them now, but I hear the question. I keep walking, but something stops me before I get too far from the conversation.

I missed what they just said.

I turn around, hoping I hear an answer to the question.

The homeless man is looking at the boy, while the boy has his palms clasped together in a prayer sign.

“I don’t know man, I don’t know.”

“I know man. Life is hard. But sometimes we have to be like the gods worship. This is my gift to you. Go buy yourself some McDonalds.”

“There’s a Taco Bell across the street, it’s cheaper.”

“Well there you go man! Enjoy that shit.”

“Thank you. I will.”

“What’s your name man?”

“Frankie.”

“Take care of yourself Frankie. Keep safe my man. Cheers.”

“Cheers.”

“Be like the gods we worship.” I say, under my breath. We have to choose those gods wisely.

I carry on walking.