Page 2 - Down On His Luck

Down on His Luck
Lisa Scuderi-Burkimsher

Henry walked in the brisk autumn air, thinking about his job interview the previous day.

“We’re sorry Mr. Ludari, but you’re not qualified for this position.”

In other words, you’re too old and we’re looking for fresh young faces, Henry thought to
himself.

His unemployment ran out and he had to take a part-time job in an electronics store.
The rent was due the following week, so what could he do. The previous company he worked
for downsized, and at his age, fifty-two, jobs were difficult to come by, but working in a local
electronics store wasn’t enough to cover his rent and groceries. He had to cut his cable down to
basic channels and his dog Oliver was now living with his brother Charlie, and worst of all, it was
Thanksgiving. Henry dialed his brother’s number, but it didn’t go through because he realized
he hadn’t paid the bill.

“Damn, is anything else going to happen,” he yelled.

Aggravated and tired, he didn’t see the pretty young brunette and bumped into her,
dropping his cell phone.

“I’m, so sorry. Oh, your cell phone,” the woman said while bending to pick up her purse.

“No, it’s my fault. I wasn’t looking. This darn phone isn’t working anymore, and I’m
getting a new one, so no harm done.” A white lie, but he didn’t know this woman, so what did it
matter. Henry helped pick up her belongings, her purse and makeup scattered on the sidewalk.
He grabbed everything and handed it to her.

“Hi, I’m Charlotte and you are?”

“I’m Henry. It’s nice to bump into you, Charlotte.” They chortled and shook hands. The
palm of her hand was cold, yet, had a warmness to it. Her blush and lipstick were neatly applied
to her beautiful porcelain skin and plump lips. Her brunette hair evenly sat on her shoulders,
while her deep brown eyes stared back at him.

“Are you okay, Henry?”

“Yeah, just a long day.”