the pianist...

Exiting my car after returning from my associate Fred's place & notice a slow moving man stumbling across the parking lot. At second glance I recognize him. It's my neighbor Jack; he wasn't moving too fast:

"Jack," startling him, "What's going on buddy? How have things been?"

He doesn't recognize me.

"It's your friend Rob from the pool. The guy who loves the Chiefs!"

During the summer we saw a great deal of him at the pool. I enjoyed his company. He doesn't look to good nowadays.

"Oh yeah Rob," he mumbles after my reintroduction, "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing good. What have you been up to?"

"I'm just going to the store to get some more supplies," is his wobbly answer.

I wish him a good night & proceed to make my way home.

"Can you give me a ride? I shouldn't be driving," in a somber tone.

"Okay Jack, I'll give you a ride. Do you have a mask?"

He flashes one from his pocket.

"Okay, looks good, let me run inside real quick and grab mine. I''ll be back in a minute."

I return; pull the van to the curb; open the double doors; clear a few things off the seat & assist Jack into the vehicle.

"Did you see how bad the Chiefs stunk it up in the Super Bowl? It was pathetic," a little small talk is in order to prevent him from passing out on our trek to Albertson's.

There is no response.

Checking the mirror & he is conscious. I scrap the small talk & pull up to the entrance of Albertson's to drop him off.

"Do you need any help getting out?"

"No," as he snaps out of a fog, "Let me see if I can do it myself." 

He takes his time and exits the van without incident. I park & meet him at the carts.

"I'm going to get a few things as well Jack. I'll meet you at the front when I'm done."

"Okay," in a slur as he drives away on a scooter cart

My shopping cart consists of six limes (lime water); chicken breast; two Bud light tallboys; milk duds; cauliflower; tortilla's; Preparation H & a few cans of tuna...add a Snicker's at the checkout as well.

"Their you are," is the first thing I hear exiting the store, "Are you ready to go?"

He has a relieved look on his face as I pull the van to the entrance. After assisting him into the vehicle our two minute trip home begins.

"I really appreciate this. You're doing me a solid," he's more alert on the ride home, "Maybe one of these days you can come up to my place & I can play the piano for you."

"Sure Jack, I would enjoy something like that."

I turn the van into the complex & pull to the curb.

"You're going to have to help me get out. If you would please."

Without hesitation I exit the vehicle & open the double doors. He grabs my arm and gently makes his way out.

"You're the best man," as we bump elbows, "I really appreciate you looking out for me."

The gratitude brings a wide smile to my face.

"I'm going to the elevator now," are his parting words as I watch him stumble inside the building.

As I am parking the van a lasting thought goes through my head, "If you see someone in his kind of shape...Do not hesitate to help! The last thing in the world they should be doing is driving."