Distant

Part 4

It was easier than I thought. I take the detergent and leave the store. Now, all I need is some source of water that was at least somewhat clean. I begin asking around for anyone that would know of a place or pond of water.

I walk for about half an hour, and come across the old woman with the dirty wooden cane who I spoke to before. She offers that I can use her bath tub and fill it up with water. She told me that her water was clean enough for washing, so I take advantage of that and thank her.

The very thought of clean clothes is intriguing to everyone who knows of my plan in the community. Yet, the depression that filled them prevented them from being able to do so themselves.

Given their current state, it is understandable that they are not able to really build themselves up to really do any work. I give major props to the cashier at that store for being able to work, because I look around and do not see many people in the same shape as he is. They look worse.

Once I tell some people, they seem to be emotionally lifted a little bit. Even though all I tell them is that I will wash their clothes, hope begins filling their souls and they begin to make progress towards happiness. It gives me some extra motivation to really make sure I make this happen.

I talk to the old woman again and we walk to her house. I stick out my arm for her to hold onto so the journey back will be at least a little less painful. We approach the front door and she unlocks it, slowly opening the door that creates an ear-wrenching screech that would shatter glass, if there was any.

I go to her bathroom and I let her know that I will begin working as soon as water fills the bath tub.

I ask her if she could have a few other residents set out to let others know that their clothes will be washed. Needless to say, I am 99% sure that I am making a smart choice by choosing the clean the clothes of these people.

Within half an hour, the people of the small community line up outside this woman's house as I begin to clean their clothes.

"Hey, just when your turn is up, toss your clothes to me and stay in that room across the bathroom so no one will see you, if you do not want others to see you without clothes on." I announce to the people waiting in line. I figure I might as well try and give them some privacy.

It is a bit comical saying that to these strangers, and it actually gets some positive laughs out of others. It really is a rewarding to know I am in the process of making these people feel better.

I am surprised at the amount of gratitude that is bestowed upon me. As little as seeing their eyes is enough for a rush of positivity to run throughout my body. The act of helping is something I found myself to really enjoy.

"Alright, last person in line, toss your clothes in here. We have just enough for one more cleaning," I ask.

I grab the clothes of this resident and finish cleaning after a couple minutes. I was not able to spend too much time washing, for I would have used up all of the detergent too quickly. I cleaned and made sure they were all clean, however.

The last person gets their clean clothes back, and smiles at me. I smile back. It was as if time froze at the very thought of what I did for the community. The last citizen I helped softly whispers "Thank you" and walks out. That was enough to really make me feel good about myself and bring me on the verge of tears.