By Jeffrey Paolano
Ressle, atremble, eagerly eyes the pipe. His hands bounce in and out in anticipation of Cesio passing over the candy once he’s sucked at the tube whilst spinning the bowl.
Ressle draws in the pungent, chemical smoke which settles him.
Later, the sun has left the sky when Cesio wakens.
He shakes Ressle without avail, then lifts an eyelid with his thumb edge; he sees the eye is dead as well as its host.
With his rags fluttering, Cesio shuffles on with his cart.
Ressle will not relinquish his peaceful passing which is the most superlative moment his life has offered.
A nice, warm little story, Jeffrey. Kind of sad, but oh so fulfilling. Great job.
This captures the desperation underlying many lives on the street. Sad with a true ring.