A Thing With Feathers

     I leaned my head into my hands as Miami's humidity drooped itself over me like a wet blanket of misery. I had 1/2 a tank of gas, a rental car, a motel room, the other half of a roundtrip ticket back to Chicago, and that was it. I thought it was a smart move to keep my cash and debit card in a little keychain wallet so I had easy access to it and it would be protected against theft.

     Instead I had lost it. No matter how many times I had checked the motel or the rental car, it just wasn't there. I had called the bank to report my card missing, but by the time they would be able to send me a replacement it would be too late. I only had one day left on my trip before I would board my Southwest plane back to Chicago.

     I hadn't eaten anything substantial for two days and the thought of waiting one more day made me realize how good I typically had it. I regretted not getting a hotel with an affiliated restaurant. I might have been able to monitor my account and charge food to the room.

     My stomach complained loudly and I couldn't help but feel spoiled. I laid back on the bench and put my hand to my midsection. I knew I would survive, but I was absolutely miserable. This trip was supposed to be a long awaited treat to myself and at first it had been a blast. I had marveled at the mission style houses colored with as much variety as the rainbow. I had gorged myself on Cuban paselitos filled with guava and cheese and fancy little French cakes indulgent with tropical fruits. I had had the time of my life on a speedboat cruise that toured Biscayne Bay, Millionaires' row, and passed by Miami Beach as the captain cracked clever jokes. Best of all, I had finally experienced the seemingly infinite ocean. And then I had ruined everything by losing my little wallet.

     Another soulful sigh heaved out of me. I knew I should conserve my gas to make it to the airport in good security, but I needed to get away from my motel room. I drove aimlessly until I found myself at a place called The Shops at Midtown Miami. It appeared to be an open air shopping mall. The enticing smell of nearby restaurants tormented me, but I was at least happy to watch the myriad of people walking around. 

     A tiny little chirp caught my attention and I looked down into the glistening eyes of a little bird. It appeared to be some kind of finch or sparrow. I was charmed by the little thing, but sadly I was the last person to give it what it hoped for. The bird watched me diligently, seemingly sure that at any moment I would produce food and share it with the little beggar.

     Unexpectedly another visitor joined us in the form of a well-dressed woman. She sat down casually on the bench one seat away from me and seemed engrossed in people watching. The bird cocked its head at the new potential food source and watched us both closely. After a moment of time the woman left, her linen pants billowing in the wind as she walked away. On the space that had been between us she had forgotten a clear bag containing a wrapped sub sandwich and a bottled water. My heart quickened at the sight of it and despite the shame, I was tempted to take advantage of the situation. With a tortured groan I grabbed the bag and rushed after the lady.

     At my call she turned with a quizzical look on her elegant face. She appeared to be in her forties with a smart blonde bob, a pleasant countenance, and a flowing sage green shirt tucked into cream colored linen pants.

     "Yes?" She asked me in a softly lilting voice, no doubt startled that I had chased her down.

     "You forgot this." I said, holding out the bag to her. She looked at it for a second before meeting my eyes once again.

     "I don't have time to eat it anymore. It's yours if you want it." And without waiting for my reaction she turned and promptly walked away. I stared after her stunned. I couldn't believe my luck. Half in a daze I walked back to my bench and sat down. I pulled the sandwich out and a piece of folded paper hit the pavement with a muffled slap. Puzzled I picked up the paper and opened it. With a gasp I saw a hundred dollar bill enclosed within the note.

     Shocked I looked up sharply again to see if the woman was still around. Not seeing her, I read the note with slightly shaking hands.

I once survived on the kindness of strangers every day. I recognized that look in your eyes and saw an opportunity to give back to someone else in need. Whatever your troubles, I hope this helps. We are never alone.

     Tears filled my eyes and the world became blury as I gently put the money and note in my pocket. I began opening my sandwich when I heard that tiny little chirp a second time. I couldn't help but let out a little laugh at the bird standing in front of me again. My fingers trembled as I tore off a piece of the bread and tossed it to my small companion. The bird enthusiastically pecked at my offering.

     "I guess it's a lucky day for both of us." I told the little bird as I sat on the bench and shared my unexpected lunch. I was incredibly touched and thankful. I took a large bite of the sandwich and although it was delicious, I had a hard time swallowing it past the lump in my throat. I had just brushed shoulders with a beautiful soul.