ONE Good Turn

If Lou could bring even a little more happiness into his life, surely it would all be worth it?

- Hilary Middleton

Now there’s a man who needs the snap putting back in his celery,’ Annie said, slinging a tea towel over her shoulder. ‘He’s made his coffee last all morning.’

‘He’s been in every day while you’ve been off,’ Lou said. ‘Sitting in quiet contemplation.’

‘Maybe I should chivvy him up a bit, then.’

Lou had no such concerns. ‘Leave him for now. He’s doing no harm.’

He was a troubled soul, if ever she’d seen one. She’d tried to talk a few times, but his monosyllabic responses indicated he’d rather be left alone.

‘He’s sending the wrong signals,’ Annie continued. ‘We’re a cafe, not a charity. I’ll give him another half an hour, then he’s out.’

Perturbed by her friend’s unusually callous attitude, Lou didn’t tell her that she often topped up his drink for free and slipped him the odd cake. Small gestures can mean a lot when you’re down on your luck.

Lou glanced at him, he was early sixties at a guess. He looked up and caught her eye. He stood up, carefully replacing his chair beneath the table. ‘I’ve been here long enough, it seems.’

Lou smiled. ‘Don’t mind Annie. Her bark’s much worse than her bite.’

‘Thank you for your kindness,’ he said and left.