Joe shivered as he stumbled back into town. Not even his all-consuming thoughts of Anna’s kiss could warm his chilled body. The walk had taken him much longer than it would have under pleasant weather conditions. Snow had begun falling fast and hard about halfway to his destination, making for a perilous journey. If he hadn’t been moving, he’d certainly be buried under a foot or two of snow by now.
Thankfully, Anna was most likely tucked into a warm bed, safe from the extreme elements. He wouldn’t want her out in this. How is it that he’d come to care so much for Anna?
He sighed when he finally rounded the corner to the alleyway. Just as he suspected, snow had built up around his and Harvey’s sleeping quarters. He glanced around, but there was no sign of Harvey. Had he gone somewhere to find shelter from the snow? It wouldn’t have been the first time.
“Harv, are ya here?” Joe called out.
No response.
“Harv?” Joe walked near the trash receptacle, then to the wooden crates that they typically used to shield themselves from inclement weather. The crates were completely covered, but he could still identify their form. He picked one up and brushed the snow off, surveying the area again for any trace of Harvey.
Although exhausted, he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep if he couldn’t find his friend. After checking every place in the alley where he thought Harvey might be, he set off to search on foot. Downtown was quiet, but dimly illuminated by street lights. It reminded him of a painting he’d seen hanging in the dry goods store when he was a child. Fortunately, the snowfall had lessened significantly allowing Joseph to see clearly. He went to each shop in town, surveying the exterior and peeking through the windows to the interior, in hopes of finding his missing friend.
What seemed like hours later, Joe returned to the alley, took the two wooden crates, and set off for Threads of Beauty. Once there, he nearly collapsed from fatigue. The small nook at the store’s entrance was probably the best place he could be. At least he’d stay partially out of the elements, and it was most likely the only place where he wouldn’t be run off. Besides, he hoped that perhaps Anna and Linda would help search if Harvey hadn’t returned by morning.
<><><>
Aaron laid awake the entire night. He could not get the remembrance of Anna kissing that homeless guy out of his head. To think Anna would prefer a dirty, destitute beggar over him was beyond comprehension. What an insult!
What would his father say if he knew Anna had chosen a homeless man over him? No doubt he’d again be reminded that he was a failure – a loser. No, his father never said those words aloud, but it was exactly how Aaron felt when his daed exhibited his disappointment.
He was determined not to let that happen. He had to come up with a plan to get Anna back, but what could he do? He was unsure at the moment, but in time he would come up with some type of strategy. He had to.
<><><>
Linda frowned when she pulled up to the curb. Apparently, Joe had found shelter in the alcove of her storefront. She wished there were a place these homeless men could go to find shelter, but the nearest place she knew of was many miles away. She couldn’t blame them for preferring the small-town atmosphere over a larger city. But Linda wondered how they survived. Did they live solely on the good graces of others?
She thought for a moment about Joe’s proposition a few days before. If his idea worked, she wouldn’t mind paying him some. It would be great to be able to help someone get back on their feet again. She just hoped she wasn’t making a mistake in allowing him to try out his idea. Only time would tell, she supposed.
“Joe?” she said cautiously as she neared the store’s entrance. She watched as the wooden crates moved and then winced when one tumbled to the ground.
“What is it?” Joseph shot up. Apparently, she’d startled him.
“Joe, it’s me. Linda.”
Joe rubbed his eyes, then squinted. “Oh, sorry, Linda. I didn’t sleep too well. I couldn’t find Harv last night.” He picked up the crates and moved them out of her way. “Have you seen him?”
“No, I haven’t. Do you think he might have taken shelter somewhere?”
Joe glanced up and down the street as though hoping to spot his friend. “That’s what I was thinkin’. But he usually leaves a note to let me know. I don’t know where he could be. I’m kinda worried about him, ya know?”
“When did you see him last?”
“Last night before I took Anna home,” he said.
Linda’s eyes widened. “You took Anna home? Anna Smucker that works here – the Amish girl?” She was unaware Joe and Anna knew each other.
Joe nodded. “I found her stuck in the snow on the side of the road. I helped her get the buggy unstuck, then we came back here to warm up by the fire. I didn’t want her driving home alone in that blizzard, so I went with her. That was when I last saw Harv. He stayed back.”
“Should we call the police?”
“Oh no, Harvey wouldn’t like that. Now that the sun’s coming up, I hope I’ll have a better chance locating him.” He rubbed his bearded chin as though pondering. “Would you help me look for him? I think we might have a better chance finding him if there were two of us looking.”
Linda was already chilled just being out of her car for a few moments. She certainly didn’t want to go traipsing around town in this weather. But she didn’t have it in her heart to say no to Joe. “I’ll tell you what. Let me put some coffee on for us, then we can go out searching for your friend.”
Joe agreed. “That sounds good. I could use something warm. I’ll take these crates back while you’re making coffee, it’ll help me get the blood flowing. Who knows? Maybe Harv’s back already.”
Linda watched as Joe picked up the crates and made his way down the street. She sent up a silent prayer that they’d be able to find Harvey and that he’d be okay.
<><><>
Where could she be? Anna peeked through the window of Threads of Beauty. It appeared the lights were on, but the doors were locked and Linda was nowhere in sight. Linda had always opened thirty minutes before Anna arrived to turn the heater on and start a pot of coffee. She usually had coffee and cookies on hand throughout the day for the customers to enjoy while they browsed. Perhaps she’d gone out to the store to purchase more cookies?
Anna glanced down the street toward the alley where Joe and Harvey lived. She hated the fact that they had to be out in the snow all hours of the night. If only she could do something for them. Maybe they could live in the barn? At least during the freezing temperatures in winter. It wouldn’t be much, but at least then they’d be out of the harsh weather. She knew Mammi would never approve if she brought them home. But what if Mammi didn’t know?
And Aaron. He’d no doubt have a conniption if Joe and Harv moved into the barn. A wry smile formed on Anna’s lips. She was almost determined to bring them home for that reason alone. But of course Aaron would report her to the bishop for sure and for certain.
Anna sent up a silent prayer for wisdom. She didn’t know what she could do, but she knew what she couldn’t do. She couldn’t sleep peacefully every night knowing that Joe and Harvey were outside sleeping in an alley with no shelter at all while she was tucked into a warm bed.
<><><>
“Is this where you last saw him?” Linda glanced around the quiet, snow-covered alley.
“Yep. We usually sleep over there near the corner. With the crates and the garbage can, it seems to be the best place to stay. Of course, it doesn’t keep us completely out of the elements but it helps. The high walls keep a lot of the wind out,” Joseph said.
Linda walked over to the large trash receptacle and peered inside. There was no sign of Harvey, but the foul odor nearly caused her to wretch. How could anyone live this way?
“There aren’t many places Harv could be here. I already checked that dumpster.”
“No, he doesn’t appear to be here.” Linda listened carefully. Had she heard something? Perhaps a cat?
Meow.
Linda looked around but saw nothing. “Where is that coming from?”
“Mama Kitty. That’s what we call her, although we’ve never actually seen her kittens. Just the evidence that she must’ve had a litter.” Joseph smiled. “She comes around every once in a while asking for food.” He peeked into the receptacle after hearing the faint sound of banging metal. “Not here.” He slowly walked around the dumpster. “Ah, I see.”
Linda watched as a pathetic calico cat emerged from a small tunnel under the garbage container.
Joe picked up the famished feline and brushed the snow off her back. “Seems like someone’s found a shelter from the snow.” The cat licked his hand. “Sorry, girl. I don’t have anything for you right now.”
Linda smiled at the gentle way he handled the animal, but quickly turned again to the dumpster. “That noise again.”
“Harv?” Joseph set the cat down and crouched near the small tunnel. “Are you in there?” He furiously began digging with his bare hands when they heard a moan. “Just wait, Harv. I’ll get you out.”
“Oh no, he must be freezing under there.” This didn’t look good. “Should I call an ambulance?” She looked on as Joseph pulled Harvey out from under the dumpster. He laid his friend across his lap and placed a hand on his neck to feel for a pulse.
Harvey’s eyes popped open. “No ambulance.”
Joe released a sigh of relief. “Harvey, you’re alive!”
“Of course, I’m alive.” The older man struggled to his feet. “You ain’t getting’ rid of me that easy.” He began coughing profusely.
Linda spoke up. “We need to get him warm. I have some blankets in my back room and one in the trunk of my car if we need it. Harvey, do you think you can walk to my shop?”
“I’ll help him,” Joe offered, placing an arm around the older man’s back.
Harvey glanced over at Linda and grinned. “Looks like we got us another angel, Joe.”
<><><>
Anna’s eyes widened at the peculiar sight of Joe, Harvey, and Linda coming up the sidewalk. What’s Linda doing with Joe and Harv? As they came closer, she realized something wasn’t right.
Linda moved ahead and quickly placed her key in the lock. “I’m sorry for not being here, Anna. Joe needed my help.”
Her gazed moved toward Joe’s face and she recalled their nearness from the night before.
He smiled slightly, obviously troubled over something. “I couldn’t find Harv, but fortunately, Linda and I found him this morning.”
Her examining gaze swept over Harvey, who appeared sallow. “Well, hello there, Miss An –” his words were abruptly cut off by a fit of coughing.
Anna didn’t miss the worry that creased Joe’s brow. His compassion for others gripped her heart once again. What was this young man’s story and how is it that one so concerned for others not have anyone to care for him? Or did he? Is it possible that Joe did indeed have a family somewhere?
They moved into the store and were immediately enveloped in warmth. Anna watched as Linda led Joe and Harvey to the back room, wondering what had transpired between the time Joe left her home last night and this morning. Since there were no customers yet, she followed after them.
“Here, sit him down in this chair,” Linda suggested, handing Harvey a mug of steaming coffee once he was seated. “Anna, bring that small heater I keep in the cabinet.”
Anna hastily did as Linda suggested while Joe removed Harvey’s wet shoes and socks and Linda draped blankets around Harv. She positioned the small heater to warm Harv’s feet.
“How’s that feel, Buddy?” Joseph asked his friend, rubbing his arms to produce warmth.
Anna remembered a trick she’d once learned while working as a maut for some Englisch neighbors as a teen. She took a hand towel from one of the drawers and put it in the microwave for several seconds to warm it. She checked to be sure it wasn’t too hot, then brought it to Harvey and placed it over his face. “Does that feel nice?” she asked.
“Y’all make me feel like I’m at some fancy hotel spa,” Harvey said.
“Ah, quit makin’ a fuss, Harv.” Joe smiled catching Anna’s eye.
Anna returned his grin. It was good to see some of Joe’s anxiety relieved. The sound of a bell jingling reminded Anna that she had a job to do. “I better go wait on our customer.” With that, she slipped into the store’s main floor room.