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Rainbow Suspenders

March 6, 2017 5 Comments

Rainbow Suspenders

By Alex Z. Salinas

Mr. Hurley would wander around the McDonald’s.

In daylight, he’d repeat Jesus’ parables to passing customers.

At night, he’d ask for whatever could be spared—fries from the dollar menu would be okay.

I went there every Friday. I once made the mistake of making eye contact with him.

“When ya get a lil’ older, buy me a Big Mac, kid,” he said, flashing his green-brown teeth.

A couple of years later, he was found dead against the church entrance, clutching the strap of his signature rainbow suspenders.

I cried when it happened.

I would’ve eventually bought him a Big Mac.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jack Spies says

    March 6, 2017 at 7:59 am

    Alex, I read your touching story at breakfast. I started with toast and after the first few bites, I cried and could eat no more. Thanks for having me remember.

    Reply
    • azsalinas23 says

      March 6, 2017 at 10:01 am

      I’m happy — and saddened — that the story had a visceral effect on you. Thank you.

      Reply
  2. tskraghu says

    March 6, 2017 at 8:18 am

    sad, my friend.

    Reply
  3. b. says

    March 6, 2017 at 9:03 am

    Your message? Don’t put off until tommorow what you can do today. Very well delivered.

    Reply
  4. Dante A Murray says

    March 6, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    Reads like a prayer.

    Reply

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