Drunk On Wonderful People

(I am taking a walk. Three men who look like they probably stay at a nearby shelter for homeless alcoholics and drug addicts are sitting on a park bench, drinking beer.)

Men: “Hello!”

Me: “Hi.”

Man #1: “How are you doing?”

Me: “Well, I’m doing fine; just taking a walk.”

Man: “You’re a wonderful person, you know. Most people won’t even look at us. If we say hello to them they’ll just turn up their nose and look away. That makes us feel bad, you know. We are people too, even if we drink too much.”

Me: “Well, I just think it’s polite to respond when someone talks to you.”

(We chat a little more and he repeats what a wonderful person he thinks I am, while the other two, who don’t really seem able to speak clearly, nod in agreement. Then I decide to continue my walk.)

Me: “Well, I’m going to continue…”

Man #1: “Have a good day! I wish you all the best! Remember that you are a wonderful person!”

(I’m glad I could brighten their day a little. They certainly brightened mine.)