His eyes bulged like plump olives, accompanied with an expression of stark horror exalted on his face; which was rapidly changing to a hue of red.
- “Oh my God Charlie! What’s the matter buddy?” Asked Jose with genuine concern
Charlie could not formulate a reply; he was able only to grunt like a primate, while he thought that this was the end.
For what seemed an interminable moment, which traveled in slow motion, Charlie was panicked that his time had possibly come to an end. As miserable as his life was, he did not want to die now -- not this way. Charlie was able to swallow the knot of chow mien noodles which had obstructed his esophagus.
- “You see? That’s what you get for eating like a pig Charlie. Are you OK?”
Tears blurred his vision, as saliva started to accumulate and slither down the corners of his mouth. The trickle of tears created an irrigational system mapping his dirt-streaked face.
- “I was starving; I had not eaten since yesterday morning. I should have not greedily stuffed my face. But for a second there, I thought that I was a goner and it scared me. I think when one is about to depart, one does not want to let go. I would have died all alone here on the street, my body just another lump of waste to discard of properly.” Charlie said dejectedly.
- “What about me? You got me, I’m your friend!” Jose said reproachfully.
- “I know buddy, but you could have attempted to save me you know with the Heimlich maneuver. Anyways, having you as a buddy is great. But I feel so sad that no one who loves me would see me depart.”
- “Oh man, you are born alone, and one will die alone. Or you expect like the ancient tribes, that your wives will be sacrificed and join you in death? You’re a sentimental old fool!”
- “That I am a homeless fool does not make me inhuman dude. I don’t need a lot of stuff, but I still have feelings. You see Jose, once I was loved, and loved in return. And although life may harden, and embitter one, the only moment I felt alive and life full of wonder was when I was in love.
- “Love? My belly needs food and drink. If I’m shivering cold at three am, I need a jacket to cover me. That is what I need. Money too to buy me love anytime my friend. Hard cold cash does not let you down, where is your love now?” Jose said with a glint of avarice.
Charlie wiped the drool and tears with remnants of a white paper bag. This made his face appear cleaner and serene. His eyes took a misty quality, as he scanned the vaults of his memory.
To be continued…
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