Chapter Six

I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.—Harper Lee

Oakland, California 2006

“You two are too young to look that tired.”

The twins followed the raspy voice over the short picket fence where a well-dressed black man leaned on a cane while watering a dry patch of grass in front of a market. The boys stopped walking and smiled wearily as the man put down his hose and moved closer.

After school, Damon and Jesse took a walk down Maybeck Street to explore the railway yard two blocks off their regular route home. It was Friday and if they avoided home for a while, Dumbass would probably be gone drinking when they got there.

“Long week?” the stranger asked. To the boys, his tone was kind and matter of fact, without a hint of subterfuge.

“Yes sir, I guess so,” Damon answered.

“Well, one thing I know for sure,” the man said, rubbing his wizened face, “after a long week, sometimes something sweet helps.” He fished in the front pocket of his pants, then reached over the fence. Two pieces of butterscotch candy rested in the center of his palm.

The twins looked at the candies, their gold wrapping shimmering in the sun like jewels. “Go on,” the man said. Damon and Jesse looked at each other, each asking for permission with a smile.

“Thank you,” said Damon, taking the candy and giving one to his brother.

“Yes, sir. Thank you, a lot,” added Jesse with enthusiasm, his eyes glued to his candy as they walked away.

From that day on, the twins had a new route home on Fridays. He was always out when they walked by, either on the market’s porch or in the yard waiting for them. They would talk about their week at school and listen to the nice man with the soothing voice, fancy canes, and limitless supply of butterscotch candy.

Usually, they would enjoy their treat on their way home, letting the sugar dissolve on their tongues, then chewing the wrappers until the last of the flavor was gone. Sometimes, they would wait until later and enjoy them as a dessert after their ramen. The twins came to savor their weekly treats and chats with their new friend.