Just Another Day

[v_harkryder]

It turned out that Virgil didn't have any more cards from the shelter when he opened his desk drawer, so he wrote the phone number down and gave it to Tanya after their conversation. He hoped she left before the hitting happened again rather than after. 'After' might be a relative word, but it could also prove to be too late.

He pulled his late-model Chevy into the shelter's lot and killed the engine. It was just past noon, which meant they'd be serving lunch. He'd been on good terms with the staff since he started referring people for everything from drug counseling to psychiatric help. Becoming community-minded had been a way to take his mind off of what happened to him before he turned in his gun and badge, and he actually liked helping people.

The air had a definite chill in it, even though the snow had melted, and the warmth indoors was a welcome change. Virgil looked around for Stephanie, the day supervisor, then started towards the kitchen. If she wasn't in there, the people preparing lunch would know where she was.

Comments

[v_harkryder]

"When I was in the military, they'd serve food to lot of people at once," Virgil replied, waving at the kitchen set-up. He was always willing to talk about his army stint in generalities, but he never mentioned specifics. Even Mattie couldn't get it out of him. "It really is true, an army travels on it's stomach."

He spotted Stephanie with her armload of boxes, and he went to help her with the burden. They brought the parcels into the kitchen and set them down on a convenient table. "I see they put you to work," she said in a joking tone, and he nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I showed up just in time to pitch in. Melody was showing me the ropes."

[melodymagic]

"You should invite him to join the volunteer staff," Mel told Stephanie, "he can serve a plate of food like the best of us!" She smiled as she added, "and you wouldn't have to worry about any of those who might want seconds when other haven't had their firsts!"

[v_harkryder]

Virgil ducked his head modestly. "Ah, I didn't do that much. I was actually dropping by to pick up some cards with the shelter's number on them 'cause I ran out. But I like pitching in when I can."

"When lunch is over, I'll check my office," Stephanie answered, washing up at the sink after putting on an apron. Most of the crowd was still working on their first servings, but there were always stragglers who'd miss the beginning of the meal.

"If either you or your mother would like to drop by the gym, you're welcome to," the veteran told the girl. "The self-defense classes are a big draw, and I gear them towards ladies."