One Hungry Arse Town II

I'm a morning person. I start each day at 4am, give thanks for my health and a new day. I am usually in a great mood. Then, a few hours later I leave the house.

It's bright and sunny here today. I walked along enjoying the sun when I noticed a folded ten dollar bill on the ground. I picked it up, and looked behind and in front of me for the possible loser 😉. There was no one on that side of the street. Across the street were only cars parked at a fast food restaurant. I put the bill in my pocket.

I walked about a block and a half further on the same street. A silver SUV pulled up to the curb next to me. The front passenger, a very light-skinned black man beckoned me with his index finger. As a rule I never approach a strange vehicle for any reason. I asked, "Yeah"? The driver then leaned forward and said "Dat money you picked up is mines." Money? When you lose money don't you usually say the amount like, "I lost ten dollars" instead of "Dat money"?

I side-eyed them with the entire left side of my face. "I want my money! How you think I know you found it if I ain't seed you pick it up," the angry driver yelled? Eventhough, my brain screamed "Don't say it," I still told them "I don't believe you."

At this point, one of the ominous passengers in the back unlocked his door, while saying, "I'll take care of dis!" I thought "Seriously, God, this is how it ends? I am to be pummeled by four 30-ish dudes over $10.00?" The front passenger dude seemed to be playing good cop to the driver, and offered a sympathetic half smile.

"I want my money," the driver demanded, still not saying how much. The empath tilted his head to the right. I took the money from my pocket, mentally debating whether to hand it over. Yes, it was only ten bucks, but goddammit people such. Four grown men who were most likely at the fast food joint saw me pick something up, and figured it was money, then decided to get it, and beat me for it if necessary. It turns my stomach to think that people have lives that small.

I extended my arm forward with the money in hand. The good cop while still half smiling, extended his arm as far as he could. He gave me a look as to say "How rude." He stepped from the vehicle and took the money. He smiled and wished me good luck.