“No, I’m getting that idea.”
Alex
Nervously, I stared at the ugly building. As we approached, a guy opened the door and met us outside.
“Can’t let you in, Katy,” he declared, and she nodded.
“This is Saul, Alex. Saul runs the shelter and kept a bed for you.”
“Thanks,” I said, as my gut twisted with anxiety.
“You’re ex-military? Alex, I’ve put you in a single room. PTSD can cause nightmares, and also if someone disturbs your sleep, they might get a nasty wake-up call. There’s a locker system that uses tokens. Place personal items in there and keep the token on you. Tomorrow, we’ve somebody who comes in the morning, and he’ll start helping you make plans,” Saul said.
“Thanks,” I replied, gripping my dirty backpack and bag.
“Alex, I won’t bring breakfast because they serve it here. Maybe meet me for lunch?” Katy said.
“I’ll be there. It’s only a half-hour walk,” I murmured, glancing at Saul.
“Come on, Alex,” he said and motioned me towards the door. Katy offered a reassuring smile, and she’d never looked so beautiful. I took a few moments to memorise Katy’s face and then headed inside.
Tomorrow was the start of a brand-new day and a step forward, and not backwards.
???
Wrong. I was backpedalling quicker than I ever had. Saul had arrived this morning with another guy called Patrick, who seemed decent enough. Patrick, I was informed, was a support worker. He inquired what I wanted and let me explain in my own terms. I was fine until Patrick asked for my full name, and then I clammed up.
Patrick reassured me it was okay, but I was mentally running. It took Patrick a good hour to get me back on track, and that only happened when he mentioned Katy. Seems Katy was my trigger. As soon as her name was spoken, I tuned back in. She was the reason I was putting myself through this. Finally, we came up with a working plan. I’d see a doctor tomorrow for a health check and a dentist. I admitted to stealing toothbrushes and toothpaste, driven by paranoia about my dental hygiene.
Patrick told me he wished everyone else would be so diligent. He also said he’d sponsor me to a therapist and a support group for ex-military personnel. I offered to volunteer here and at Katy’s soup kitchen, a way of paying back the aid I was being given. Patrick accepted help around here, but told me to speak to Jenny about the soup kitchen. I agreed and headed out to meet Katy.
Katy
I knocked on Aiden’s door and waited for him to call out. When Aiden did, I entered and smiled as he waved me towards a seat.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes, Alex came to the soup kitchen over the weekend.”
“Why are you telling me?” Aiden asked.
“Because somehow, you two know each other. Alex reacted when I said you wanted to buy him food. And you were far too generous and defensive of a homeless guy.”
“You’re insightful, as well as clever. Alex hasn’t mentioned anything?”
“No. And I won’t pry or ask. But I have the feeling you’d want to know he’s okay. Alex is.”
“And you won’t say anything else?”
I smiled. “No.”
“Thank you, Katy, for the information. If there’s anything else?”
“No, have a good day, Aiden.”
“You too, Katy.”
Chapter Five.
