Winter Dreams by Shawn Keys

Author:Shawn Keys [Keys, Shawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781999285371
Published: 2019-12-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6:

In Service to Others

They were met at the door by a matronly woman with a white bun, beige dress with plaid paneling and a friendly face. She was taken aback as Drake stepped into the back foyer of the downtown shelter and soup kitchen. “Mr. Drake! I… well, I can’t believe you’re here, to be honest. No matter how many times I’ve invited you, you don’t come.”

Drake raised a brief salute to his forehead. He understood her confusion. He made it a mark of pride not to come here. Maybe it was stupid. But it was the small things that kept him sane. At least, that’s the excuse he gave himself.

He said, “Hi, Molly. Fine Christmas morning to you.” He had only seen her in two capacities before: the few times he found himself with a little extra clothing or a little extra food, he would stop by to drop it off; and, when she was doing her rounds of the streets bringing food and a few kinds words to the ones who couldn’t make it to the shelter. Despite his pride, he admitted her had taken a few hand-outs. She had always been good enough to make sure no-one else saw him do it.

“And to you.” Molly retreated back into the old-wood entryway, giving space as she realized he wasn’t alone. She only looked more and more confused at the vibrant beauty of the women surrounding him. “Who are they?”

Drake chuckled. “Well, I’m sure they can speak for themselves, but let’s just say they are my helper elves.”

Tricia smacked him on the shoulder. “Be nice!” She blazed a smile at Molly. “We’re his friends. And we’re here to help. Drake told us you serve Christmas dinner to anyone who wanted it. We could help with that.”

Cara, never fond of cooking, added, “Or anything else you might need?”

The other two had covered the offer, so Karin just nodded enthusiastically.

Molly gaped at them, then up at Drake. “You want to help? But, Mr. Drake… umm, aren’t… well, are you sure…?”

Drake appreciated her effort to save him embarrassment. “It’s alright, Molly. They know who I am. No secrets today. I’m here to help, too.”

“But… that’s…” Once again, she was at a loss.

He stepped forward a little, resting a hand on her shoulder. “It’s alright, Molly. Just because I’m on the street doesn’t mean I don’t get the urge to help. Some have even less than me, right? Maybe in a couple years, I’ll be dragging myself through those doors. You’ll be pouring soup down my throat trying to keep me alive after a night outside. But for now, I can do this. I want to do this. It’ll help me feel like me again. OK?”

Molly placed a hand on his. “We don’t turn people away. Not those who need help, nor those who want to give it.”

Drake gave her a soft wink, then asked, “Tell us then, where do you need the help?”

“Do you think you can find the loading bay?”

Drake shrugged.

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