Chapter 10
There's a bakery down on the lower streets that he goes into.
Made sure there wasn't any cameras, or ones that faced directly on him (it's why he only ever bought most of his grocery from the marketplace).
The store is small, just the baked goods and a small back area where they do it.
He'd heard the other day the business had been here for near ever, run by the same family ever since that time.
The smell took him back, but he didn't need it right now, pocketing it.
They were behind on rent, because most of the money went back to the community. They'd help out the neighbors with their daughter's schooling. The old man's medical bills down the road. Anything they could.
They were the only store on this block, not to have a security camera.
Whether it was due to cost, or because they just has faith in people, he wasn't sure.
"Vă pot ajuta?" A woman came from the back, wiping her hands on a worn, but clean rag.
Tries to hide his surprise as she looks like spitting image of Sarah. Tries not to stare at her too long.
"...Da, uh..Ai vreo pască?"
"Pască? Cred că am un lot în partea din spate. Te superi de așteptare?"
"Nu la toate, Multumesc."
As she disappeared into the back, he got out a wad of bills from his pocket.
They have faith in people. Even if that means they put themselves last.
Makes sure she's still in the back as he leaves.
He remembers what that was like. Struggling to make the rent money to make sure he and Steve didn't get kicked out on their asses.
Remembers countless times it was mostly because Mrs. Tabitheu or Mr. Bernadine didn't have enough to, both he & Steve agreeing each time to paying their back rents.
They had faith something would come. A lesser man would probably call it naivete.
Disappeared down the alley, taking the shorter route back home.
But he knew better than that. Sometimes hoping for the best, means giving it to someone else.
An alley cat laid on top of the low wall.
And if there was someone still doing that, who believed it...
He'd do anything he could to keep it going.
They had faith in people. That things could get better.
Was Thankful there were still people like that.