The basket case of the clean sweeper

Forward: The following story is chapter two. The previous chapter can be found in this link. Sometimes amazing things happen, and they are profound and positive. However, the world is full of distractions. Therefore, it’s important to look for the light, and remember, there is still good in the world.

Reggie wasted no time getting ready for work, the next afternoon. In fact, he left early. After calling Amelia with the good news, they decided to meet before work. Of course Amelia had questions. And for Reggie’s part he wished he had a better answer. How did he find Amelia’s stolen purse? He couldn’t really say. It made him feel nervous and strange, like maybe he was losing his mind. Should he tell her the truth? Furthermore, would she believe him, or think he was a basket case?

With this in mind, he drives slowly to their rendezvous point. His mind is full of questions. Not the least of which is the question of his sanity. The events of the past couple of days cycle through his thoughts. He made a special project out of an old tree. He took some time, and a little effort, and created a woven basket. Next thing he knows the basket generates a baseball glove. From out of the blue. Not just any old glove. But a brand new, straight off the shelf, glove.

The Basket Case

Then, not even twelve hours later, the basket somehow contains his supervisor’s stolen purse? Even he can see the implications of this. Therefore, it’s probably best to tell Amelia the truth. Even if he appears to be crazy, at least he isn’t hiding anything. Moreover, they are friends. And they have worked together for years. It may be awkward but Amelia will believe him.

Reggie is the sweeper. In addition to being the salt truck driver, and several other designations. However, his main job for the city is driving the sweeper truck. It’s solid work and it gives Reggie a chance to observe the changing times of the city where he was born and raised. This afternoon, as he drives to meet Amelia, the sidewalk is unusually empty. In fact, it is usually very busy with people.

The antique shops, and bookstores on Main street are so popular, the street is always bustling with activity. Except for today. Ultimately, this turns out to be a good thing. Because, in the next block, Reggie has to slam on the brakes to avoid a man crawling on the edge of the street. It is completely unexpected. And Reggie almost has a panic attack from the close call. After slamming the car into park, he jumps out to check on the stranger.

Street Sweeper

It only takes Reggie a second to see that the man is blind. He asks the man if he is okay. The older gentleman replies quietly while his hands move back and forth over the edge of the sidewalk.

“I’m okay mister. I lost my cup. It had my money in it, but now I can’t find any of it.” Immediately Reggie sees the change laying on the sidewalk. Without hesitation he gathers it and helps the older gentleman to his feet. Then he pulls some bills from his pocket and adds them to the cup before handing it back to the older gentleman. From there Reggie helps him back to the place where he has his things stacked on the sidewalk.

“Thank you mister.” The older gentleman accepts Reggie’s lead as they move away from the street. Once Reggie has him settled safely away from the street he offers the man a ride to his home. Which the older man declines. It seems there is no home, other than the shelter down the street. However, the older gentleman assures Reggie he will be fine and thanks him again for his help.

Clean Sweeper

The rest of the afternoon, Reggie can’t stop thinking about the blind man. He meets with Amelia and returns her stolen purse. In fact, he is so distracted that he forgot about his worries over Amelia’s missing purse. Furthermore, Amelia is extremely relieved to have her purse back.

And after a few curious questions she checks, and nothing is missing. Not even a penny. Reggie is very happy for her, but he doesn’t want to be thought of as a basket case. So he makes up something about finding her purse.

Also, he can’t stop thinking about the man on the street. And where he might have gone.

Reggie’s evening at work goes quickly. He is assigned a different part of the city and it is sufficient to keep him preoccupied for the remainder of his shift. He clocks out and leaves for home. As he arrives at his house, everything appears normal. Yet there is a tug of strange things clicking into place. This is amplified when he enters the kitchen and sees his hand woven basket on the table.

It isn’t empty. In fact, it has several stacks of money laying in it. They appear to be fresh from the bank. And there is a white cane laying on top. Reggie knows immediately what the basket wants him to do next.

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Basket Case

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