Humanity Through A Cup

"Excuse me Sir. If you don't mind, can I have that cup?" I was about to grab the cup when he yelled.

"Don't get close to me, you filthy homeless women. Do you really want the cup or are you trying to steal something?"

Trying my best to convince him I said, "no sir. I'm not trying to steal anything. I just want the cup."

"If you really want the cup why don't you pick it up."

He threw the cup down and stepped on it multiple times with his foot. I wanted to give him a piece of my mind so badly...but I couldn't as I have no other option then picking bottles for now.

He smirked and walked away while I picked up the cup.

"Coffee?" A soft voice asked as I was trying to get the shape of the cup back.

I turned around. "Pardon." I asked.

"Would you like to have this coffee? I saw what happened, that man wasn't nice."

She grabbed my hand and handed me the coffee.

"But why?"

"You need it more than me right now. Enjoy!" She said as she headed towards the Tim Hortons across the street.

I was happy. Finally people with humanity I thought.

"But wait, what's her name?"

I didn't even get to say "Thank You."

*****

The next morning I got up bright and early, brushed my teeth with the last nurdle of toothpaste I had, zipped up my tent and rushed to the Tim's so I could get in right as it opened.

To my surprise the woman I met yesterday was organizing the chairs, dressed like a manager.

"Excuse me!"

She turned around. "Yes."

"Oh, hello. How was the cold brew yesterday?"

"I couldn't thank you yesterday, so thank you so much. The coffee was great, it freshened me up, especially on a hot summer's day like yesterday. Thank you again."

"No problem. Glad you liked it. By the way I'm Mia, and you are?"

"Claiah." I let her know.

"Claiah, What a unique name she said."

"Sorry, but how long have you been homeless?"

"About a year and a half now. Ever since my mom died."

"I'm sorry. So do you live off of picking up cups and bottles?"

"Yeah, I collect them and get money from giving them to the bottle depot."

"What do you say if I give you the opportunity to work here?"

"You mean at Tim's? I'd love to...but I don't have any qualifications."

"Not a problem. I saw how you addressed the man yesterday. Seems like great customer service for me, just what we're looking for here at Tim Hortons. You can start work today if you want to."

"Thank you!"

Mia handed me a uniform and told me to get dressed and meet her behind the counter. Within no time I got the hang of things and soon practiced saying the special.

"Try our new cold brew, packed with smooth flavors after 16 hours of steeping."