THE LONE JUMPING SPIDER

New Opportunities

Larry took advantage of this gift that Don has given him. He took a shower, ate nice warm cooked food, sat in real nice furniture, he hadn't had these wonderful things in years. And all he was looking forward too was a good night's rest. The idea that there was a really bad storm tonight completely slipped his mind. Though he wanted to repay Don in some way. But couldn't figure out how. He had nothing to give. He doesn't have money, no job, he's been living on the streets. And then he started thinking. Once the storm has passed in the morning, Donny was just going to kick him out and he'll be in the same mess he was in before. Larry then started to feel hopeless again. Then he started to hear Don call him in the other room.

"Hey! Larry!.... Can I ask you a few questions?" Said Don. Not knowing what to do, Larry just follows through with his request. He walks in the room and quietly sits down in a chair.

"You enjoying yourself here?" Don asked. Larry tries to speak but cannot bring himself too. He was too nervous that he would say the wrong thing. He has never sat down and talked to anyone in years. He nods.

" I get it... your still adjusting to the changes and what not... But you can sure trust me. If you want, you can get to know me and I can get to know you. If you happen to have trust issues, let me remind you that I'm alone... Nobody else is here." Don says calmly.

"What good does that do when I'll be back on the streets when the storm passes..." Larry said. Once Larry said that Don knew exactly what was on his mind.

"True... Very true." He starts. "That gets me thinking. If you stay on the streets doing what you have done for your whole life then you will not ever get hired for a job. Meaning that you will never own a home, or anything else I have here." He pauses. "Tell you what. What if I were to help you out. You can stay until you get successful. I mean, I am only making enough money to support myself. But I can squeeze some of my budget to help a fellow out." Don said. Larry looked at him with complete shock. He didn't think anyone in the city would be so nice.... And stupid.

"By doing that, you are not gaining anything. I will only get in your way. Plus why would you be willing to help me like this..." Larry asked. Don only laughed.

"By helping somebody out? How is that not gaining anything. By helping others you become successful. Now that is my award. To know that your life improved because of me, makes me feel like a better person. And you won't get in the way. I'm pretty lonely around here. It be nice to talk to someone once and awhile." Don said as he looked at his clock. "It's getting late. We should go up to bed. I'm gonna give you the night to think about my little offer. K?"

"Yeah... K!" Larry said joyfully. He started to think as he was getting ready for bed. He thought more positive each second. He thought that he had finally found hope. That he didn't need to go to jail after all. He could start off here. That this could be the beginning of a new life for Larry.