“Yont some?” Jeff handed me the bottle of cheap Canadian rye with strong hands and bold insistence. But neither could camouflage the pleading in his big, blue, bloodshot eyes. ”Here, gitcha sip.” I’m a germaphobe, sometimes hesitant to share a drink from the same container with even those I share blood. I’ve known Jeff only about a year and based on the state of his yard, clothes, and teeth he’s not someone I’d want to share much of anything with.
A man I recognized had just put gas in his moped and couldn't get it started, and as you said, my offer to help him was hollow, and I even said if I knew anything about those, I would give him a hand. I knew him because he is one of the local thieves, a guy who steals to support his and his woman's meth addiction. I know it, and he knows I know it. As you said, I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. He is just a man who probably would've offered more genuine help to me had I needed it, even if on another day I might have to run him from my property with the business end of a Mossberg. I want to understand why it has to be like that, but I probably never will.
I think most writers use the story of the Jeffs of the world to tell their readers "See, you are not so messed up after all." Thanks for giving us a different perspective. Excellent writing!
I have lived here since 1992 and have neighbors too. You write with such compassion, honesty and respect. I learn something every time I read your writing. Thank you. Keep up the good work!!!! (Please!)
A man I recognized had just put gas in his moped and couldn't get it started, and as you said, my offer to help him was hollow, and I even said if I knew anything about those, I would give him a hand. I knew him because he is one of the local thieves, a guy who steals to support his and his woman's meth addiction. I know it, and he knows I know it. As you said, I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. He is just a man who probably would've offered more genuine help to me had I needed it, even if on another day I might have to run him from my property with the business end of a Mossberg. I want to understand why it has to be like that, but I probably never will.
Thanks, Johnny.
I think most writers use the story of the Jeffs of the world to tell their readers "See, you are not so messed up after all." Thanks for giving us a different perspective. Excellent writing!
I have lived here since 1992 and have neighbors too. You write with such compassion, honesty and respect. I learn something every time I read your writing. Thank you. Keep up the good work!!!! (Please!)
Thanks, Johnny, this hits home today! So many Jeff's in our part of the world.