-“The cold is unforgiving; it chills one to the bone.
My body shivers on its own accord which resembles an epileptic dance. Does it not seem like ages, since we've felt the embrace of the sun?
Or the warmth of skin-on-skin contact for that matter.
I’ve already forgotten the oppressive heat of an August afternoon.” Charlie said wistfully, followed by a long shot of whiskey.
-"I feel as if I had nearby the glacial companionship of death, as if it were flirting with me from afar, subtly letting its presence known. This chills me to the core Charlie.
It's ironic that for all the money I've held, I end up like this. It all comes down to money Charlie.” Jose said pragmatically.
“With money you can follow the sun’s rays, where they beam near the equator. Not in the least, you can purchase that wonderful skin-on-skin contact which I vaguely remember and sometimes crave.
Say, why don’t we make some extra cash together? I know how. There is a guy who deals with recycling, who always looks for extra help. Not in the sense of recycling aluminum cans. Rather, one has to be an audacious risk taker to make some fairly decent money."
-“What does this recycling entail?” Charlie asked, his curiosity piqued.
-“Well, he deals with copper, iron, even catalysts from pick-up trucks which are in high demand. Lately he’s focused on fire hydrant lids. Those fetch nearly Nine Hundred dollars.
There’s good money for an honest day’s work -- well figuratively speaking.
With today’s economy, most people are reluctant to part ways with little spare change, and one must improvise.” Jose reasoned.
-“Well, it does sound tempting, but I can’t see myself doing a getaway, and transporting and delivering those in my market cart.”
-“Don’t worry about that. They will pick you up and you can ride on the back of their van. The crew just needs to move stealthily and agilely. With that money we can share a weekly hotel room during the harsh winter. Imagine dunking into a scalding hot bath, and watching TV afterwards!” Jose sold the point home.
Just then a man dressed in dark slacks and a leather jacket, approached them. He looked with tenderness at them and asked: “Have you let the Lord into your life?”
-“Well, lookie here my man. Come closer and take a good look at us.
I am marginalized from society. I have to scrounge like a rat for sporadic nourishment. I’ve developed skin growths the size of nickels all over my back.
Do you think that we look as if we are the believing type?” Charlie said brimming with sarcasm.
-“My brothers, I know what ails you and trust me that the Lord can save you. Jesus Christ loves you!" He said with glowing passion.
“I know things are bad now my brothers, but God has spoken. He has warned that things will get even much -- much worst! Yet, He will provide for his flock all of the basic necessities.
Here take this pamphlet. Meet me this Saturday or Sunday at noon at this address. You will be fed a warm meal, and your spirit will not be hungry anymore either.
If you repent and let God into your heart, your addiction can be cured overnight. Together we will bring you back to life my brothers.” The man said, as he walked away as swiftly as he had arrived.
Charlie wrinkled the pamphlet, then changed his mind and read through it to divert himself from the relentless chill which seeped through his damp clothing.
-"You never did tell me how you ended up in this dumpster Jose." Charlie asked to change the subject.
-"This man reminded me Charlie, that the glacial hand of death is itching to snatch me. With all that I've done in my life; I know exactly where I would go." Jose said dejectedly, followed by incessant coughing.
To be continued….
