Church of the Epistles
A Story of Guilt and Redemption
by Gareth Young
Darlene handed the package over to Old Sam, and he headed towards Dwight. The storeowner watched, amused, as the grubby clothes and bushy, graying beard approached. When he was almost at the counter, Dwight spoke.
“Hi, Sam.”
Although Dwight occasionally encountered Sam around town, he had not seen him up close since they were both teen-agers. He was taken aback by an emotional stature which had not been present in the youth he once knew. Sam was taller than he looked from behind—though still not a big man—and he radiated the calm confidence of one completely contented with his place in the world.
“Hi Dwight. How’s Cheryl? And those two boys of yours? They must be almost out of high school now.”
“Cheryl’s fine thanks.” Dwight was surprised that Sam remembered his wife and kids, but put the thought aside and took the valve system, rang it up, and placed it in a bag. “Clark’s fifteen and Robbie’s seventeen: they’re both as big as I am. With tax, that’ll be eight dollars and forty-six cents, please.” He held out the bag.
Sam’s bright eyes shone out from under a grubby baseball cap and hair much darker than the beard, and Dwight sensed that he had Sam’s complete attention. He felt at once comforted and exposed as sharp eyes ran over and penetrated his face. It was a face he knew to be flat and featureless, softened by years in the store and too much good food, with eyes that the mirror every morning told him were dulled. After a long pause, Sam looked down, took the bag, and held out a handful of crumpled up notes and coins.
“This is the right amount,” Sam said. “I’m sorry things are difficult for you right now, Dwight.”
Dwight clenched the money tight. How did Sam know? He hadn’t said a word!