Familiar Voices

After 30 minutes of talking with colleagues saying goodbye Antwone finally made his way back into the town to visit the Mini Mart and collect his wages.

Antwone entered the Mini Mart. The manager Bill is the there as usual standing behind the cashier desk it’s like he is part of the shop fixtures.

He has his routine and it’s safe for him so why should he ever change it. Only time he is busy is when his boss comes to visit us then he works.

Antwone smiled thinking of this.

“Hey Bill.” Antwone said. “Hi Antwone, how are you today? Antwone was shocked “He was like different person; he never interacted like that with me before just complains and yells.” Antwone thought.

“I got your money here.” Bill responded. Antwone collected the money and went to get something’s for home. He selected some milk and rye bread. I gathered the things and went to pay.

Bill said “It's on me.” Antwone was astounded by what he just witnessed. He kindly said “Thanks Bill.” As I turned to walk away I paused and said “Hey Bill, I will have a get-together the day after tomorrow if you can make it?” Bill responded in a positive manner “Sure.” Antwone said “Great, 8:30 at the bar, see you then.” Bill smiled and went back to his paper.

Antwone wished him a good day and left to return home.

On my arrival home I prepared myself some lunch and sat on the porch, enjoying the mid day sun. As the sun’s rays beat down on his face. He eat slowly trying to enjoy every different tastes that was infused in the food I prepared,

“Often people do not appreciate the hard work it takes to prepare something or the producers who worked endlessly to supply us with these various ingredients.

Also the hard work of the chefs and cooks who came up with each and every concept in the first place, it’s through trial and error that they made something a success and taste so perfect that it became recognized across the world, yet people despite your attempts often know better or someone who knows better.

I never understood the point to comparing, life was never meant to be a competition. We all have our own ways we all are taught individually by certain people or by ourselves.

Be it family or friends. Offering food is merely a friendly gesture. To offer food to another should be considered a blessing as people around the world are lucky even to have a bag of rice.” He thought “I just can’t understand why certain people are unhappy in everything they just criticize and complain.”

“I am not saying I am perfect.” he thought to himself “I will not eat many things, Yet, I will not eat things to appease another person also it takes courage to tell a person “no” and explain that you dislike certain things.

I do not think this should be questioned, it's like a person says they like color blue and you ask them why? It’s their preference it's not easy to explain it just is what it is. Accept it and understand it. Nothing is complicated about that.

I think it’s better to be honest with your hosts more importantly yourself, if not when you return next time they may prepare the same thing because they believed you like it.” “Someone once said do not be afraid to say “no” if you know that saying “yes” will hurt you. I believe this concept and I feel that people would admire your honesty more than your cowardice.”

After eating his lunch we went to the kitchen and cleaned away all the mess he had created.

Went to the laptop and switched it on.

He approached the bedroom while it was booting up. He took a bag from his closet and started to take out the required items and clothing he would need, he organized them neatly on his bed.

He then logged into his Skype account hoping his aunt would be there. She wasn't online yet, “I guess she is either at work or not logged in yet.” He thought. He continued to pack his things; he only took things that would be for warm and mild weather nothing for cold periods.

He picked up his phone cycled through his phone book and found Auntie.

He called the phone started to rang out, his stomach became tense he was getting nervous.

She answered “Hello!” “Hi Auntie it’s Antwone.” she was surprised her voice became excited, “I was just thinking about you these last days, how are you? It’s so nice to hear your voice.” Antwone responded “It’s so nice to hear your also, how are you?”

Antwone was shocked that she said she had been thinking about him, as he was thinking about her also. Antwone then began to think “I wonder if we can feel it when someone is thinking about us?”

“I am fine.” she responded, “Just working hard you know me. Your uncle is not working so it is a little hard at times. You cousin is almost finished with his University.” She continued.

“And how are you?” she asked. “To be honest I am feeling great, really I feel so full of life.” he said “I called to ask a favor.” “Sure ask away sweetie.” She responded, “I wanted to know if it would be possible to come to Ohio for a while.” His stomach was again getting tense. He composed himself and convinced himself all will be fine and stop expecting the worst.

“She said what about your work?” He responded “I quit both jobs.” there was a long pause on the phone, “Is something wrong Antwone?” “No Auntie just need to be among family for a while.” she said “You are most welcome to come, when were you thinking to come here?”

“Well I have saved a bit of money and expect more money from the warehouse job in two more days, so I would say in three days or so I will begin to move.” “That's fine” she responded, I will prepare the spare room for you. “I am not sure whether to fly or take the bus.” He said to her “It’s far to Reading, Ohio from Halstead, Wichita, Kansas.”

He wasn’t thinking of the cheapest option to get there, more about the one that would give him time to reflect on all that’s happening in his life and avoid all the hustle and bustle of busy airports.

People running around stressing and in panic there is so much organized chaos in airports he thought.” “Time is their slave master.” He remembered.

“I will take the bus.” he said to his auntie, “So I will be there in just Saturday evening at the latest.” She then said “Okay sweetie it will be nice to have you around. We have so much to catch up on.” Antwone responded “Yes, I will be looking forward to it. I love you.”He said. “I love you too.” she responded. “I will call you when I am on the bus preparing to pull out of the depot.”Antwone said “Ok, I will await your call.” Talk soon and have a wonderful day

She said in a loving manner. “You too auntie, tell uncle Hi” “I will.” she responded then hung up the phone.