Union Square in San Francisco was its usual buzz of activity. Commuters on their way to work rushed by with briefcases and cups of coffee in hand. Street performers and homeless people competed for spare change. No one noticed an older, gray-haired bearded man and his aging dog materialize on a previously empty bench.
Boone leaned forward and put his arms on his knees. His entire body ached and he felt weak and dizzy. His breathing was labored and it took him several minutes to catch his breath. No one stopped to ask him if he was okay. People passed by without noticing him at all. In a city like San Francisco an old man like Boone was invisible.
Croc was lying at his feet and finally rose slowly, pawing at Boone’s leg as he did.
“I know, boy,” Boone said. As he reached down to stroke the dog’s head the muscles in his arm cramped and he groaned with the effort. “It’s getting harder for me every time, isn’t it?”
Croc lay back down on the ground, resting his head on Boone’s foot.
“I think that’s the last one for a while. Going to take some time to build up the energy again, don’t you think?”
Croc raised his head to look at Boone and the old man could swear the dog nodded in agreement.
“What would I do without you?” he said with a sigh. “We’ve got to get moving, pal. There’s a lot to do. People are depending on us.”
The morning fog had burned off and the sun was bright in the sky. Boone leaned back on the bench. He let the sun warm his face. It was a glorious day. The kind of day he would enjoy if he didn’t feel so weak.
Croc whined.
“I know. You’re hungry. Just a few more minutes, buddy.”
Finally Boone felt like he had the strength to stand and walk.
Croc barked and huffed at his feet, standing now, his tail wagging.
“Seriously? Chinese food? This early? You know what Chinese does to your—”
Croc barked, louder this time. Interrupting him.
“All right, all right … you win. Chinese it is. But absolutely no kung pao chicken.”
Croc whined.
“No. Way.”
Boone stood and stretched. With Croc at his side, he headed for Chinatown.
Disappearing into the crowd.