Work Text
The Promenade was deserted on this chilly fall evening.
Everyone was either at Pete’s Pizza enjoying a slice of hot pepperoni pizza.
Or at the movie theater, where an old animated film was playing.
A young man sat at the ticket stand of said movie theater.
He sat quietly, picking apart a pretzel that had once been warm and dipping it in mustard.
Then he put the cool piece of pretzel in his mouth and savored the taste, barely keeping him warm.
Should have bought a heavier jacket, he thought with a shiver.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Promenade, there was an older gentleman.
His clothes were tattered and he possessed a worn-out duffel bag.
He kept a look-out for throwaway food that could be eaten.
It was now getting cold out and he needed something to get him through the winter.
He had prayed faithfully for years, hoping something would change.
Yet, God decided he belonged out on the street.
He was prone to danger, chilly winter, and the possibility of starving.
Should have taken that retail job when I was offered it years ago, he thought with a shiver.