I exit The Purity and walk across the parking lot towards my car. An eighties-style mini-van with patches of missing blue paint whips around a line of parked cars and screeches to a halt as if to avoid hitting me. It is several feet from making actual body contact, but screeches nonetheless. Burning cigarettes dangle from the corners of the lips of both the driver and his passenger.
The passenger jumps out like he’s late for an important interview. He takes a few sprinting steps and stops in front of me. With his thumb and forefinger, he pulls the cigarette from of his mouth. His face is bright, lit by a smile of anticipation.
Perhaps he’s a fan of It Happened at Purity.
I’m on my way home from the veterinarian where I’ve learned the sad news that our dog Lucy has to have another Luxating patella surgery. I’m in no mood to sign autographs.
He’s of slight build, about my height, short blonde hair, wears a camo T-shirt, and looks vaguely familiar. He pauses and opens his mouth. Perhaps he’ll say My buddy wanted to run you over, but I told him not to.
Instead, he says, “Ma’am?”
I’m thinking here it is—he’s going to ask for money. A couple months ago, I found a dollar in The Purity parking lot. It’s in a cup holder in my car. I keep waiting for someone to ask so I can give it away. This could be the day.
“Yes?” I say.
“Have a nice day.”
This makes me smile. “Thank you. And you, too.” I start to walk past.
He takes a drag off his cigarette and with smoke exiting his nose and mouth, says, “I really like your blouse.”
My heart fills with gratitude for him. He has lightened a very dark day.
I get into my car and pat Lucy on the head. “It’s amazing how little it takes to keep us going, isn’t it girl?” She wags her tail, looking out the front window, excited about where we might go next.
It Happened at Purity 
What a great picture of Lucy looking out of the car. What’s the children’s book? “No telling the places we’ll go.”
Thanks for helping me with the ending.
Enjoyed the story, also picture of Lucy.
Thanks Mom.
Lucy is adorable – I hope all goes well with her surgery. Sometimes nice things happen at just the right time!
Thanks Jan. We learned from the last surgery to take it a day at a time.
For the record, Kate, you always look beautiful. Glad that a stranger put a voice to what all of us think. Love you to bits.
Thanks Jenn. Love you too!
oh god, kate, you never fail to make me gag laughing. i love you
Gagging laughter–it’s my goal. Love you too Zida!
Yay! And I Do want your autograph! Thanks for the smile !
Glad I could make you smile Kate!
You’ve the patience of, well, whoever you have the patience of. I’m sorry Lucy has to have another surgery. Gathering all my doggie charms together. All will be well. xo
Thanks for gathering the doggie charms. I don’t know about patience. We just do what we feel we have to do and try to keep our whining under control.
You are too hilarious and real! I will hold good thoughts for Lucy’s well-being and your pocketbook 🙂 Thank you for lightening my days!
Thank you Camille.
Glad you and Lucy were able to share a happy moment. Thank you for the giggles!
Thank you for reading Sandi.