Hariet's+Diner

Harriet’s Diner I discreetly peered into the dusty window and searched through the faces. I came across a woman in a peach long dress. Two layers of pearls hung from her dainty neck. “Now that ‘aint a sight you see often.” I thought to myself. I hadn’t seen no one dressed that nicely since years ago.Ma used to have a hat like the women wore, and for a faint second I could smell Ma’s perfume, the one I got her for Christmas the year before I left. The growling of my stomach brought me back to reality as I became aware of how hungry I was. I stood up from the black bench, and walked into the doorway just underneath the beat up sign readin’ “ Harriet’s Diner”. As I stepped into the diner I slouched my shoulders and lowered my eyes towards my beat up shoes.I could see my bare big toe stickin out of my left shoe. As I walked by the women I tipped my hat towards her presence and continued on by. “Excuse me miss,” I beckoned to the waitress, “Is there any chance that I would be able to help out in exchange for breakfast? Ima real good worker. “ I raised my voice just loud enough so that the table next to us could over hear. The waitress looked annoyed, as if he had dealt with us hobos often. “Look kid, we have plenty of workers here already. You are just gone have to fend for…“ Like on cue the women piped up from the next table, “… Let the boy have a cup of coffee and a bagel; I will pay for it.” “Thank you miss. That’s very kind of you, but I couldn’t.” “Oh don’t be silly.” The women said, patting the opposite side of the table. “Please, join me.” With no doubt in my mind, I sat down across from the women. “Lilly Apelwin.” The woman stuck out her hand. “What is your name son?” “ William Rainer ma'am. “ I extended my right hand, and gave her a firm handshake to show her my appreciation. “ Now where do you come from William? What brings you to Harrington, Delaware?” “ I have been ridin the rails since I was seventeen.I am just here staying in the jungle until the next train leaves.” “ Where is your destination?” Miss Apelwin asked with concern. Probably because she now realized she was sittin down havin a glass of coffee with a hobo. “ Nevada. That is where my family is, and I am goin’ back for a couple of days.” Miss Apelwin still seemed slightly in shock, and there was an awkward silence, so I just kept talking.“ You see, I send my parents some of the money I make to help support them, but my ma is sick, so I am goin’ back to visit. “ “Well I am very sorry to hear that William, but I must be going,” she said abruptly. She picked up her wallet, left forty cents on the table, and stood up to leave. She seemed frightened of me, but I wasn’t that offended.I would run away too if I smelled me. I laughed to myself. I hadn’t taken a shower in about a month. “It was lovely to meet you.” She said before turning around and walking back out the door. From the inside the sign read “Come Back Again”. Those were that last words pops had said to me before I left. A smile appeared on my face as I thought about escaping the lonely nights of a hobo, even if it was only for a few days. “I can’t wait to get home.” I thought to myself as I took a bite of the mouthwatering bagel.