Hopefully I Can Get Some Food

Walking into the bakery, I saw a man sweeping behind the counter near the table where the dough was made. Trying not to focus on the fresh loaves sitting on the counter in front of me, I waved, "Top of the morning skilled Mr. Baker man."

"How doing, kid," the baker said, putting down the broom and walking to the oven. He pulled some fresh bread out of the oven. "What did your mom tell you to come by the shop and get some bread."

"I'm actually 20, sir. I'm only this skinny because I haven't eaten or slept in a while."

The baker turned to see me leaning over the counter, drooling. Walking up with a rag in hand, I noticed there was a puddle below me. "Well, it looks like you are fond of my buns." The man said, handing me a rag.

"Yes, their smell is simply captivating," I said, finished wiping off the counter. I stepped back and bowed my head. "Please sir, I have nothing; I am but a simple hermit. I haven't eaten for days, and I am willing to work as long as it takes to have a piece of your buns." Raising my head, the sadness in his eyes showed that he had heard the speech many times before.

"Well boy, I would love to. But I cannot accept your offer. Please leave my shop." He said, folding his arms, staring at the floor, not wanting to make eye contact with me.

"Thank you for your time, sir, and have a great day." I bowed one more time and left the baker's shop. This wasn't the first time being rejected, and it certainly wouldn't be my last.

I was walking on the streets of the village again, looking for another shop looking for help. I noticed there was a flower shop, and watering some flowers was a beautiful girl. I approached her and introduced myself. "Hello Madam, my name is Kevin Morningstar; I am curious what flowers you are watering; they are beautiful."

The woman stopped and turned to me; her smile was so pleasant and warm it felt like a mother's love just showering over me. "Hello Kevin, my name is Daisy! These are Cyclamen, there especially beautiful this time of the year. Say I haven't seen you before, are you a traveler?"

"Well, yes, I am actually looking to work for food." As I said it, my stomach began to growl.

"That just won't do!" she said, putting a hand to her face. "I can't take you to my home right now to feed you. However, you can go to the meat market 5 shops down. Ask for Reginald. Tell him Daisy sent you, and you're willing to work for food."

I was so overjoyed. Not only was I going to be able to eat food, but I was going to be able to eat the meat of all things. "Thank you, thank you; I can't say it enough." I kneeled and kissed her hand.

Looking up, I could see a scowl of disgust replacing the once beautiful smile. "Kiss my hand again, and you will be the next meat for sale." She said, snatching her hand back, pouring water on it.

Embarrassed, I stood up and brushed the dirt off my pants. "Uh, sorry about that. I lost my cool for a sec there. You're not yourself when you're hungry, you know." I said, hoping she doesn't change her mind.

Wiping her wet hand on her dress. The warm smile started to reappear, and she said, "No worries, sugar bunch, now go get yourself self-something to eat." And without delay, she went back to watering her plants.

I thanked her one last time and started to walk to the butcher. As I approached the shop, a stray dog was eating a raw piece of meat. Surely if a stray dog could get some meat, there was no doubt I was eating good tonight. Relief washing over me, I walked into the shop.