BANG.
BANG.
BOOM.
SMASH.
Pursing her lips, she shakes her head sideways. “It’s a miracle we don’t spend every day in the hospital.”
“Well, good morning.” I can’t help but laugh as I scan thestore for some snacks. “At least he’s entertaining.”
“I couldn’t ask for a better one.” A giggle-sigh escapes her mouth.
“Donna, honey… the good news is I found the sack of dog food we stashed here. The bad news is I broke two glass containers.” The regret in his tone is hilarious. “Donna?”
Rolling her eyes, she replies, “I heard you.” She extends her hand to face-palm herself, “As long as you’re okay, we’ll get new ones.”
A few glass containers are placed on the counter and are filled with candies and chocolates.
Milo joins us, the sack hangs off his shoulder before he places it in the space behind the front counter. “How’s your old man?” he asks.
I take a plastic bag from the box by the corner and start shoving all kinds of sweets inside. “Stubborn.” The smirk captivates my mouth.
“Yeah,” he fills two bowls with dog food, “Must be hard on him.”
“It is. But there’s nothing he can do about it. Just rest and do hydrotherapy.” I go to the cooler to get a Pepsi can. “Good thing he loves swimming. Medication is making him sleepy and he hates it so he doesn’t take them. And he pushes through every day.”
Donna shoves two slices of pizza in my direction as I get back to the counter. “Sounds like he’s taking care of himself.” She comments, her tender hazel eyes remaining the same way.
“He does what’s best for him and I admire that.” I fish in my pocket for some change.
Milo nods in agreement, “You’re right. Jim is a determined man and I’m sure he will get back out there and maybe come here next year.”
A small smile crosses my face as I nod back in acceptance of his words.
I hope he will.
He can benefit from being surrounded by people he loves and activities he adores.
“Can I get you anything else, hon?” Donna steals my attention again.
My fingers tap against the counter as I reply, “A pack of cigarettes, whatever you have.”
“You got it, I’ll get you what my son usually takes,” she fumbles with a box under the counter, “He says they last longer.”
“Whatever you have, I just need a smoke.” He pretends to imitate his son’s voice which sounds funny and probably way off. “Unless we have something he prefers but he’s not picky.”
I shove the pack she hands me into my pocket, “He’s right.” I hand Donna the money. “Here.”
“On the house,” Milo declares as he crosses the store and places the bowls outside for the dogs.
I turn to Donna. “No, please”
“Don’t insult the man.” She says in a low voice. “He loves to make someone’s day.”
“Thanks, I’ll see ya’ later.” I put everything in my backpack,except the two pizzas I pile on top of each other as I walk toward the exit.
“You bet.”
