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A Day of Giving, by Jim Bartlett

26/11/2021

 
“How was your meal?” asks Tom, smiling.

“The fries were soggy, the burger only half-cooked, and there was no fizz in my drink. I couldn’t eat’um. Gimme my money back.”

“I’m so sorry. I’ll check with the manager.” As Tom turns he notices that other than a single catsup-drenched fry, both the woman’s plate and cup are empty.

He sighs. This week, with the new cook still struggling, it seems all he’s done is give refunds. But like Tom, the guy needs his job.

With that, he simply can’t hit the till, so he instead scoops the last few bills and sorry bit of change from his tip jar. Shrugging, he returns to the woman’s table. “I hope this makes up for your experience.”

With a huff, mostly for show, she grabs the money and shoots out the door.

When Tom’s “real” job cut back hours, he had to find a second one to make ends meet. Though the pay was horrid, Burger Barn was the only job that fit his hours.

It’s not until an hour and a half past his shift’s end that he’s able to finally hang up his apron. Beaten down, he slips out the door, crossing the parking lot to the Safeway. He still needs something for Thanksgiving, so he picks up a small turkey breast and a can of green beans.

Maybe next year they’ll have a real Thanksgiving.

“$14.37,” says the checker.

It’s then he remembers giving away his tip money. Which had been meant for Thanksgiving dinner. He slides in his debit card, but the nasty beep of “Denied” confirms his fears: his account is just as empty as his wallet.

“Sorry.” With the weight of everyone’s eyes upon him, he heads out for the bus stop.

When the 9:05 finally arrives at 9:50, it’s standing room only, leaving him to squeeze his way into a spot in the middle aisle for the long ride home.

“Home” for now is a shoddy apartment building on the east side. Besides meeting his budget, it was the only place with a ground floor unit, something he needs for Celia. As he nears the apartment, he remembers to be thankful that tomorrow will not be another like today. Thanksgiving is one of his few days off.


He opens to the door to the excited shout of “Daddy” as Celia rolls her wheelchair over for a hug. He winks at Mrs. Danner, who stands smiling in the kitchenette.

“Lucky man, you.”

“I get paid Friday, so I’ll pay you—“

“Nonsense. I should be paying you to stay with this angel.” Pointing at the counter, she says, “I guess a group of folks at the Safeway saw what you went through tonight. Practically crying, they dropped off a turkey, mashed potatoes, and some rolls. But...here’s the really good news – the foundation called. They’re going to fund Celia’s operation. This little girl might be walking by spring.” Moving closer, she joins their hug. “Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.” ​
Mike B
26/11/2021 05:03:42 pm

Very heartwarming Jim…
I Love a Happy ending, there are still people in this world that care about the needs of others…

Jim link
26/11/2021 05:18:20 pm

Thanks so much Mike. I like to think there are those who still care and are willing to help out, but some days it seems like those numbers are fewer and fewer.
Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving.
Jim

Michael McCarthy
26/11/2021 05:27:20 pm

that's a fine story Jim, great characters. every now and again we need a reminder that those decent people are still out there.

Jim link
26/11/2021 05:55:25 pm

Thanks Michael. We do need that now and again and again and again, don't we? It's too easy to see the other side.

Really appreciate you taking the time for a comment
Jim

Candace Arthuria Williams
26/11/2021 05:29:26 pm

I am speechless, Jim. So I'll let my tears do the talking. Thank God, there are still good people in the world. Your keyboard found them.

Jim link
26/11/2021 05:57:34 pm

Wow - thanks ever so much, Candace. I hope it's not only my keyboard finding them. Where there is hope there is a way.

Thanks for the wonderful comment. Really appreciate it
Jim

Dee Lorraine
26/11/2021 06:36:12 pm

I was teary-eyed at the end too, Jim. What a marvelous, well-told story. Thank you.

Jim link
26/11/2021 08:09:22 pm

Thank you so much, Dee. I really appreciate the kind words.
Take care!
Jim

Marjan Sierhuis
26/11/2021 07:13:53 pm

A heart-wrenching story, Jim. Your story brought tears to the eyes.

Jim link
26/11/2021 08:10:39 pm

You are too kind, Marjan. I always appreciate your wonderful comments

Jim

Ro Foessett
26/11/2021 07:49:10 pm

It's tough to see the keyboard through my tears. Thank you again for another beautiful story. Hope you and your family have a nice Thanksgiving celebration today.

Jim link
26/11/2021 08:12:34 pm

Ro - so good to hear from you! And many, many thanks for your kind words. I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one and the days are warm and wonderful for the holiday season ahead!

Thanks again!
Jim

Peggy Gerber
26/11/2021 09:23:35 pm

Now that’s what I call a happy Thanksgiving. What a beautiful, heartfelt story.

Jim link
27/11/2021 04:46:34 am

You are very kind, Peggy. Thanks ever so much!
Take care
Jim

David Lowis
26/11/2021 10:06:37 pm

I was with Tom all the way, a testament to your excellent writing, Jim.

Jim link
27/11/2021 04:47:58 am

Very much appreciate it. David! Thanks much!
Take care
Jim

David Milner
27/11/2021 09:01:37 am

A Dickensian touch, works real well, Jim. I'm gonna read again.

Jim link
27/11/2021 04:07:31 pm

Ah - you're right, David Milner. I hadn't caught that. While Celia could be little Timmy, to round it out I needed some ghosts of Thanksgivings past to come visit the evil Burger Barn owner. ;-)
Thanks for reading and the nice comment.
Take care
Jim

Candace Arthuria Williams
27/11/2021 04:29:49 pm

Jim, just wanted you to know that I read this to my sister, who has been ill for over a year. When she collected herself, she remarked, "That is so beautiful! Who are these people?"

Answer: My amazing new friends at FFF.

Jim link
27/11/2021 05:23:24 pm

Oh, Candace, thanks so much for this, you've touched my heart. But that said, I'm so sorry to hear about your sister and wish her (and you) the very best. I hope she recovers soon.
This is quite an amazing and talented little group of friends, isn't it? And, of course, I have to add a tip of the hat to our fearless leader, Gordon, who keeps this going, and has some pretty nice little stories himself.
Thanks ever so much Candace. I really appreciate it.
Jim

Sue Clayton
29/11/2021 02:40:31 am

A rear tear jerker, Jim. And we should all give thanks that there are still kind people out there in the world.

Jim link
29/11/2021 05:32:18 am

Thanks, Sue. Yes - wouldn't it be nice if there were more days of thanks, and a whole world of kind people.
Appreciate your wonderful comment.
Jim

Doug
30/11/2021 05:51:57 pm

Wow. That really tugged at the heartstrings. Very well done.

Jim link
1/12/2021 12:16:20 am

Thanks, Doug. So glad you enjoyed the story!

Take care
Jim


Comments are closed.

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