Historical fiction Smack Down

Smiles

"My craft brings no monetary gains, I am paid in smiles.  How am I supposed to be paid in a city like this at a time like this... any ideas."

The freshly dead carcass of a homeless man said nothing as he sat up against the brick structure of an old shop. 

"Sorry for bothering you dead, kind sir but I must be moving along now as a jugglers day is never finished until he makes at least one person smile."

Adam began to walk through the streets of the city taking in the difference just ten years can bring. Even with the limited light of the downing sun he could see the damage the city has faced; from the rumblings of the Earth to the wars of men. This town has suffered and now the people are suffering again.

Adam makes his way through the winding streets to his former childhood home hoping his parents are still there.

KNOCK KNOCK!

The door snug open and in the door way stood a tall frail women her nails blacked, her neck covered with bulbous sacs.

"Mother."

Adam whispered unsure of what he was seeing; not wanting to believe that was her. The once plump olive toned women who use to chase him around the yard for not studying his bible verses. Looked like she not only couldn't  run but barely could walk.

Adam made his way into the home as his mother made her way to the bed.

"I am sorry."

"What you sorry for?" 

Coughed his mother.

Silence fall between them as he looked around the room the furnishings the same dull wooden ones from his childhood and the same Virgin Mary Statue on the mantel.

"Where is father?"

" He past about three years ago in his sleep. I pray I get to go like that."

The thought of his mother passing made him want to confess to her why he traveled her in the first place.

"I am sorry I left you guys I shouldn't have I should have stayed and..."

"Stayed and what? Given up on your dreams? Your father and I were never angry with you for wanting to see the world. For wanting to make people smile with your performing, what we wanted was for you to just tell us and maybe take us with you."

Tears began to build up in Adams eyes as he looked at his dying mother.

"I have been every where from London to Sicily and no where can you find a more beautiful place a more respectable, devout place. This is where I belong and where you belong."

Adam reached down to give his mother a hug and as he lifted his head from her chest he saw her smile wide and happy. In that moment he knew he had fulfilled his duty as a performer and a son.