Choices

The day of the God and country celebration was perfect. The weather was a little warm but there was a steady breeze that kept it from getting too hot. The church members gathered at 3:00pm to enjoy a concert featuring songs old and new about the country’s battles, growth and patriotism. Tears mingled with smiles everywhere, as the applause broke out and everyone celebrated the occasion. Anna and Ted sat together. Casually Ted placed his arm across Anna’s shoulder. At first she felt uncomfortable due to his nearness, as the concert exploded into another anthem Anna relaxed and forgot everything but the concert. A potluck was enjoyed by the crowd then the whole group loaded up and drove to the town square for the parade. After the last red , white and blue float passed them Anna realized she was beginning to feel tired, she said so to Ted. He agreed it was time for her to rest; Ted drove her home. Since they were going to go back for the fireworks after dark Ted stayed watching the television while Anna slept. He couldn’t help but think how nice it would have been to have the right to lie down with her for the nap. “Stop it now old boy! You are letting your thoughts run away with you. Anna is no where near ready to think about adding you to her life. She has enough to think about with these babies on the way.” Ted told himself sharply. He decided to walk down to the dock and to sit and to watch the dusk fall. The furry babies walked with him, as always they jumped and ran about like they had never seen or smelled the area down by the dock before. Ted laughed at their antics. The pets accepted his presence as though he had always joined them for their walks. Anna woke just in time to freshen up and leave for town. Anna always loved the glow of fireworks with each burst her excitement grew. She pointed and laughed like a child. Ted knew he had never enjoyed an evening more. He wondered how he could have ever thought the woman beside him reserved. As he watched her he felt a tap on his shoulder. Dr Mark was at his side. “Ted, one of the children here allowed their puppy get away. I am afraid the pup ate something that could be poisonous, can you help them? Asked Dr. Mark Mentally alert to the possible harm to the pet Ted explained the situation to Anna. Instantly Anna urged him to go help the puppy. Anna knew she would be fine. She had left her car parked in the area earlier so she would have no problem getting herself home. Seeing that the display was almost over Anna decided to start the walk to her car. She was not walking alone as others had the same idea. Taking her time Anna strolled to the area where her car was parked. Suddenly Anna stopped; she knew she had heard a soft crying like a chant… trust and obey…trust and obey…trust and obey were the words being repeated in a youthful voice. Cautiously she looked into the darkness near her car. She could see a huddled form propped up against the building. Not getting too close Anna called out ”Are you ok?” The chanting stopped immediately. A trembling voice asked hesitantly “Are you a good one or a bad one?” Anna got a little closer “I am a good one I guess.” The huddled form stood up and took a step toward Anna. “ I was asking God to send me a good one to help me. I am so hungry and so lost.” Anna could see in the street light that the person before her was a young girl. Anna did not want to frighten her so casually she said ”I was just going to the diner for a snack. I would like some company. Want to come with me?” The girl hesitated again ”I don’t have any money.” Anna appreciated the pure honesty, in spite of the girl’s hunger; she was honest. “That’s ok I have enough for both of us.” she said without slowing her walk toward the diner. “You can treat me some day.” The girl sped up her walk and came up beside Anna. “Thank you” her smile was earnest. Together they entered the restaurant and chose to sit in a booth near the windows. The girl was small and cute in spite of her dirty hair and face. Her clothes were neat but very dirty. She smelled of an unclean body. Anna thought her hair was brown but it was hard to tell. Her eyes were definitely green. Anna chose a meal bigger than she would have normally eaten that late, but she wanted to encourage the young girl to eat. Anna asked her what she wanted to eat; the girl’s wide eyes filled with tears and she asked for crackers and water. Anna said “No, that will make me look like a piggy if I get all this and you get so little. How about we get the same thing and then we will look even? You don’t want me to feel bad do you?’ The girl shook her head no. Anna ordered “ Chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese sandwich, a salad and sweet tea. Crackers came with it. She doubled the order. “My name is Anna. Will you tell me yours?” Anna asked in her sweetest voice.