(The beginning of Chapter 1 from an unpublished novel titled Wounds . . . and Healings)
Faith Daniels looked up as the tiny bell over the door tinkled quietly. He was the first customer of the morning, the darkness remaining outside as he walked in and closed the door.
“Good morning,” she acknowledged him as he looked past her and above her at the menu of coffees, teas, and other beverages.
He gave her a hint of a smile to indicate he wasn’t trying to ignore her. She waited, not wanting to pester him. He’d come to a conclusion soon enough. They always did. The customers who couldn’t choose were almost always friendly, outgoing, bubbly even. He wasn’t one of them. She’d seen that kind of look before but wasn’t sure if she could place where or when. When it dawned on her, she blushed in spite of herself. She’d seen it multiple times looking in the mirror.
She busied herself with the pastries, putting the remaining selections in the case.
“Uh, I’ll take a double espresso and one of those,” he said finally, pointing to an éclair.
“Cream or whipped cream?”
“Oh. Yeah. A little cream, please.”
She began to fix the espresso and put the éclair on a plate. “Have a seat, and I’ll bring it right out to you, sir.”
He smiled slightly—surprised a bit by the “sir”, she supposed. He sat at a faraway table for two at the other end of the shop, folded his hands on the table and stared out the window into the dark rainy morning.
When the coffee was ready, she took it, the éclair, a fork, and some extra cream to his table.
“Thank you,” he said, finally looking directly at her. “What do I owe ya?”
“Four dollars and 50 cents,” she said quietly. “But you can pay on the way out if you like.”
Instead, he pulled out his wallet from a hip pocket of his faded Levis and handed her two fives. “It smells good,” he said gratefully.
“Thank you. I'll be right back with your change."
"No. You keep it."
"You sure?" she asked, hesitant.
"Positive." And he managed another brief smile.
"Anything else I can get you?” she added, her voice quiet, her sincerity evident.
“I wish,” he said almost inaudibly, then smiled up at her again. “I’m fine.”
Father, again and again, apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you for it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
