The moratorium on his rent was just about ending, and his unemployment was about to run out as well. The old lady living in the next apartment was too nice, with her free meals for him and his son. How long could that last, with her in a similar boat? He did the best he could, going back and forth to the local food bank, with longer and longer lines and less and less free groceries. Whew! was all he could summon up as he walked along the avenue. Christmas was a week away, and he still had not bought the boy a nice present. Any present at this juncture would suffice. He had maybe $10 in his pocket, and he still had to get some lunch for himself. The groceries from the food bank were already saved for their dinner and tomorrow’s breakfast. As the passersby left his circle of vision he could not help himself- he began to cry… just a tickle, but enough to feel a tear or two slowly slide down his cheek.
The Mercedes parked outside the jewelry store was empty. He could see something laying on the front passenger seat, a gift wrapped tiny box. As he got closer to the driver’s side door he could not help but try the handle. It was unlocked. The door was unlocked! His head wheeled around to the front of the jewelry store. He noticed shoppers busy in their usual buying modes inside. No one seemed to be exiting the front door. Before he could take more than a few breaths he was already turning the corner… with that tiny box in hand. He walked real fast, but not too fast to attract attention. The first restaurant he came to seemed to engulf him. Now he was inside. He rushed to the Men’s Room, secured himself into a stall, and quickly ripped open the box. It was a watch… a nice Timex. He was glad it wasn’t a Rolex or something really too expensive. He hid it inside his coat pocket and hurried out. HIs son would have a better Christmas than expected… and he felt absolutely no guilt about it at all.
PA Farruggio
December, 2020
Thief! Thief! The watch was for Tiny Tim from Scrooge himself! Shame…shame.
Merry Xmas, Happy New Year !!
When millions are in the streets, cold, wet and hungry it wont be safe for the rich to live their lives either.
From utopia to dystopia in less than 300 years
I’m not sure I understand this one Phil. I don’t condone stealing although I remember once when I didn’t have money to feed my kids and I “took” some bologna from the store and bought a loaf of bread. To this day, my kids love fried bologna sandwiches. lol Nuff said, Mona
in the new testament Jesus gave the parable of the man who could not feed his family, stole a loaf of bread and was condemned by many. Jesus rebuked the people saying that if man can not take proper care of man , then what one does to survive is not unlawful in the eyes of God
But that’s why people steal. Out of desperation. So sad. Regards to Mona. Love, Barb
You will do whatever it takes to feed yourself and your family