"Hey 
"Sure 
"It's been one thing after another. And after the first week of being on the street, he had to set his sights a good deal lower. And even then, the fast food places hired kids instead. Employers don't usually favor those who look and smell like... Well, you know."
"Understood. I'll be alone this weekend, so you can drop him off on Friday evening. But make sure he knows it can only be for the weekend, and that the reason is that I'm just a tourist down here in Australia."
Friday evening:
To be honest, I had been a little nervous about this idea. Galen had only met the guy once. What if he wasn't as he seemed? But I decided not to dwell on that. Galen always has had good instincts, after all.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lee. Galen told me all about you. All good things, of course! Come on in," I said, with what I hoped was a confident smile.
"Thanks, I really appreciate this," the man said humbly, not fully meeting my gaze.
Despite his appearance, he looked like he had attempted to wash. Face, neck, and hands were scrubbed clean. Hair, not so much. The real problem was with the clothes...
"That's curious..." I noted, looking at his new canvas duffle bag.
"Would you like to sit down, and have a snack?" I invited, pointing towards the living room.
Lee grimaced, and looked down at his clothes.
"That way," I said, knowing full well what he wanted.
"Thanks! Galen took me shopping, but I didn't have time to change,"apologized Lee.
At this point, I felt at ease with the stranger.
"Much better! That was the first shower I've had in months," he admitted, as he emerged looking like a different man.
"Doesn't the shelter have proper facilities?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes, but only for guests. I had problems several times with one of the guests who is mentally ill, and they refused to make proper arrangements. I won't sleep there unless I have to, it's just not safe," he replied regretfully.
"Would you like to watch a movie? Or maybe a TV show, while I get supper ready?" I asked, as his eyes lit up when he saw the variety of snacks and junk food spread out on the coffee table.
"That would be great!" he exclaimed, as he sat in the plush recliner.
Several hours later:
"Is there anything special you'd like to do tomorrow?" I asked, before retiring for the night.
"Yes, I plan to be out looking for work. I'm clean and have new clothes, this could be my big chance to get off the street!"Lee replied excitedly.
"I'll give you some money for transportation, and hide the key under the mat," I offered. I was glad he had a plan, and wanted to use the time wisely. I wasn't at all sure if I would ever get another chance to visit Australia, so wanted to cross as much as possible off of my bucket list.
Saturday evening:
"How did it go?" I asked, as we sat down to eat at a steakhouse.
"I did it! I walked into that little grocery store down the road from the house, and they hired me on the spot! I start Monday," Lee beamed proudly.
"Congratulations! I knew you could do it," I told him.
"Not without a place to rest and clean up - and the new clothes. I've been trying forever, and nobody wants to hire someone who is dirty or looks exhausted," he pointed out.
"I'm so happy for you. Soon you'll have your own place, and a new life. Now let's use the rest of the weekend to have some fun," I replied grinning.
"What do you have in mind?" he asked excitedly.
"How do you feel about seeing some Aussie wildlife? I want to take a trip into the bush tomorrow!"
"Would you believe, I was born and raised in this city, and have never done that? I'd love to!"
This is a fictional short story, none of the events actually took place.
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery