"I'd like a dollar. I have three dollars here." She poked at her cupped hand to show me the loonie and toonie sitting there.
I told her kindly that I did not want to give her any money but that if she was hungry I would buy her some food. Quickly she looked up again and said she would like to go to MacDonald's.
My plan had been to drop in at the store for some dried lentils and head home since I was not feeling the best. Call me lazy but I really did not want to run to a different place too.
"What can I get for you in the store," I questioned her.
"Some milk, plesae." was her quick reply. " Some Homogenized milk."
"OK, anything else," I pressed gently and she responded with, "Well, I want some smokes!".
There she had said it straight and clear.
She wanted me to go in and buy her some smokes.
I am not used to buying cigarettes so I told her that I did not want to buy her that but I would be happy to pick up something else for food.
" Well, beef," she told me, " Some lean beef."
I am not well versed in buying of meat either but I decided I could figure that out.
She walked with me a few steps and then when I started to wonder if she was going to come in and shop with me and then she stopped and waited while I kept on.
In the store I quickly made my slections and paid for them and left.
I wondered if she, like others I had bought things for, would have left when I went in.
Then I saw her sitting on the cement parking curb having a smoke.
The curls of smoke swirling around and about her. A motorcycle man was on his bike talking to her and having a cigarette too. She had two extras firmly in her hand.
The lady looked up and saw me and came to get the plastic bag that I was carrying. I wished her a pleasant day and started back to my truck. She came after me and softly called that she saw a few extras in the bag along with the meat and milk.
Hopefully she will have a good meal today and enjoy the banana and bag of fresh garlic butter rolls along with the milk and meat.
Very interesting circumstance. Interesting that she did allow you to buy her some food, as other people have sometimes said no to you and Dad when you've asked if they wanted you to do that. I hope she will remember your kindness and pass it on to someone else.
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