Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: AMEND (11/02/23)
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TITLE: One Small Change | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
11/07/23 -
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Isolated on a park bench, a prone bundle of rag-covered bones, shivered under a thread-bare blanket. Two bundled mothers fought the elements as they pushed plastic-sheeted strollers along the walkway. A lone figure in military uniform trudged by, anchoring his cap in place with a gloved hand.
A small dark hand flopped out of the blanket and the soldier stopped. Kneeling down, he placed a hand on the shoulder of the abandoned figure. “You okay?”
The whisper was throttled by the howling wind and the warrior set his ear closer. The raspy effort was clear enough. “God bless you.”
The soldier straightened. “Looks like you’re the one who needs blessing. Haven’t had much time for religion, myself. What’s your story?”
The voice was bolder now, strengthened by the question. “Fought in Nam, lost my wife to cancer, no kids.”
“Do you have anyone left to take care of you?”
"No, just me.”
“Let’s change that,” the soldier said. “Call me Ben.” He removed his gloves and set them into the bony fingers. “Put these on. It’s cold out here.”
The bony figure struggled to rise to a sitting position and stared at the black-leather prize in his hand. “Seems as if God does want to bless me today,” he said. “Usually, I lay here praying for all those who pass by but today I amended my prayer and asked God for one act of kindness to come my way. I know it’s a selfish prayer but he listened.”
“Could be you got lucky. Not too many folks out here. I’ve got another pair at home.”
The older man shrugged. “Ain’t too many would call me lucky. I prefer to think I’m blessed. Seems, some days, like I live in the valley of shadows, but I don’t have to fear evil because He’s with me.”
“Who’s with you?”
Dreamy eyes focused up. “Him. The Good Shepherd. The life giver.”
“Seems I heard language like that by the Padre at the funeral of my company commander. We got ambushed in Afghanistan trying to set up a girl’s school. The shrapnel is out of my gut but it’s still in my soul.”
“And you think I’m lucky, Ben.” The old man slipped on the gloves. “Could be the life-giver is giving you a second chance today. What brought you through the park?”
Ben scanned the park. “Don’t know. I usually drive, but today I felt like walking. If I walk, I take the next street over, but I got my papers for another tour of duty and I needed an open space to think about everything.”
“Isn’t that interesting?”
“What?”
“I amended my prayer and you amended your walk and here we are talking about what you need. I thought I needed a little kindness in life but you needed to know the giver of life, himself.”
Ben rose. “I’m wondering if you could do me another favor. Would you share lunch with me and tell me more? I’m starting to believe that today may be no accident.” He reached out his hand. “What is your name, by the way?”
The old man unwrapped the blanket from around his legs to reveal two prosthetics. “They call me ‘sticks’ on account of these but my momma called me Hank. Been a few days since I had a decent meal at the mission so I’d love to join you for lunch. You paying?”
Ben hauled Hank to his feet. “Sure am. Seems as if you paid enough already.”
The burgers were gone in no time and the afternoon evaporated with the wind and rain. “It’s getting dark out there and I need to find my place,” Hank said.
“I need to hear more,” Ben said. “Come home with me. I’ve got a comfortable condo. I’ll be away for a while and you can get sheltered while I’m gone.”
Four months later, Hank answered a knock at the door. The manager held a note. “Hate to tell you this Hank but Ben’s been killed in action. He isn’t coming home.”
Hank nodded. “I’ll get my things and leave by tomorrow,” he said.
“No need. Ben amended his will. This place is yours now.”
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So relatable. Thank you.
Your story is moving. It leaves me devastated that Ben was killed but believing he was saved, and wanting to know more about Hank. Your win is well-deserved.