Must Read: The Promise Keeper - Season 1 - Episode 16

7 years ago

Must Read: The Promise Keeper - Season 1 - Episode 16

It was strange being back in my home. It was comforting and really strange at the same time. Everything reminded me of Dolapo, not as strongly as before, but just as depressing. It was hardest in the closet, where her clothes collided into mine. My section kept getting smaller over the years. Fond memories of joking with her about her wardrobe burnt through my thoughts. I couldn’t live here anymore. Even if I would pack away everything of hers, the walls would still bleed her passing. It was just too much love to lose.

My trousers were too big in the waist and I had to punch two holes on my belt. I had lost a lot of weight since I jumped off that bridge. I looked in the mirror and couldn’t tell whether it was a good loss or an unhealthy one. I wondered if my beard hid an emaciated visage or a strong jaw. I wouldn’t shave it today, I would save that for the banquet. I packed some toiletries and filled a backpack with more clothes. I was done living like a beggar.

I put together a new set of keys from my spares and grabbed my jacket out of the closet. It was sitting next to Dolapo’s parka sweater. Dolapo hated the cold, and loved how the parka would shield her against it. I always thought it was overkill. I grabbed it and brought it with me. No need to let it rot on a hanger. It was time to start letting the past go.

Tony drove me to my car. It stood, lonely, in the vast parking lot of the mall next to the venue I had sung in so long ago. It argued with me, trying not to start, but eventually kicked into a nice idle. I thanked Tony for all his help. He thanked me for promising to make an appearance at the annual police boxing match next month. I couldn’t say no after all he had done. I wasn’t sure what I could offer a bunch of police officers, but I agreed. I returned to the City Kitchen, this time with a car and a full wallet. I felt more normal, although I wasn’t confident it was a good thing.
Dinner was in full swing when I arrived. I left my bags in the car, but brought in the parka. Shade did not look good. I could see the strain in her eyes, and knew it had been a difficult day. She was stoic at the head of the line, but I knew she just wanted to collapse and let it all go. I smiled at her as I entered and got a bit of a surprised look at my slight transformation.
“The caterer for the banquet canceled,” Shade said quietly when I moved next to her. “There was an article in the paper and they didn’t want to be part of it.”
“I think they will reconsider tomorrow,” I said confidently. I would have to move heaven and earth if they didn’t, but I didn’t want Shade to know that. She needed my confidence.

I needed her confident.
“What did you do?” Shade asked, looking at me, confused.
“Everything I could,” I responded, “where is Jummai?” Shade pointed to the end table in the back. Jummai was eating with Fabio. “I’ll be right back.” I walked over to the two of them.
“See if this fits you, Jummai,” I said, holding up the parka. Jummai’s eyes went wide as she stood up and removed her old jacket. I held the parka up like a gentleman and let her step into it. It fit her wonderfully.
“I never had anything this nice.” Jummai said, as she ran her hands along the sweater.
“You do now.” Dolapo would be pleased. She would have loved to know the sweater was keeping someone warm. “Payment for the boots,” I added, nodding over to Fabio. He gave me one of his ugly toothy smiles.
“I owe you, Frank,” Jummai said, “I owe you a lot.” That was the language of the homeless when appreciating act of kindness.
“You owe me nothing and my real name is David.” I was done hiding. “I had something I didn’t need and you needed it. Simple as that.” Jummai surprised me with a hug. It wasn’t the first time I was hugged by that parka sweater. I fought the tears and hugged her back. At least Jummai would be warm this hammattan .

I walked back to Shade, clearing my eyes with the back of my hand. That was a little harder than I had expected.
“That was nice of you,” Shade said as I approached.
“It was Dolapo’s,” I said nodding back at Jummai and the parka. I saw concern form on Shade’s face.
“You went home?”
“Yes, I can’t stay there, though.”
“You are welcome here as Frank or David”