Daily Flash Fiction

Different Paths - Nov 25

Different Paths

I hated walking alone out here at night. A co-worker was mugged just last week. But the project would get me promoted.

“Only four more blocks,” I muttered into my scarf, trying to look confident. The cold wind whipped, burning my forehead and ears. If I was lucky, I would make it to the bus stop with perfect timing. No waiting. On cold nights, most of the homeless were huddled back with their garbage can fires. I jumped as the wind blew a cardboard box across the street. A plastic bag danced crazily under a dim streetlight. As I approached, a shaggy man in dirty, smelly clothes stopped me.

“Spare a dollar?”

“No. Sorry.” I tried to push past him. He blocked me. “Go away.”

“Please, Ma’am?” I knew his type just used the money for cheap booze, but I didn’t think he would leave me alone. I saw the bus, but he was between it and me. I pulled a bill out, not caring the denomination.

“A twenty? God Bless you, Ma’am”

I looked at him only briefly, but somehow felt I knew him. I ran to the bus, leaping up the steps to safety.

As the bus pulled away it hit me. I hadn’t seen Doug since graduation. Childhood friends, we dated through high school. I went on to business school. He lost his football scholarship. I heard he was involved in drugs and hanging with a bad crowd. How did this happen to him? I stood and peered through the window of the bus at him. He blew me a kiss and flashed that wonderful smile. I knew he remembered me, too.

Word Count: 275