Page 331 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Fifty

realizing it, I have gone over the hour, so the guards waste no
time in ushering the large group out the back door and to their
cells.
One older, grey-haired man lingers behind. As he walks
over to the piano the smell of cigarette smoke floats off his
clothes. I sense his hesitancy, so I speak first. “Hi there. How
you doing today?”
His hushed voice is deep and raspy, probably from years
of smoking. He nods and whispers, “Thanks for singin’ for us
today.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply softly as my eyes gravitate to
his large, weathered hands. A working man, I suspect, with
forearms covered in faded tattoos. I wonder what he did to
land himself in this horrible place.
“I just need to tell you something,” he continues, very
seriously.
I immediately put down my bag and give him my full
attention. I notice the ragged scar on his left cheek. Did he get
that in here? Or on the outside? I have so many questions, but
I understand that’s not my job today. My job is to listen.
“Sure, please go ahead.” I wait.
“Your songs really struck a chord in me today. What you’re
doing is very brave. Don’t ever worry about being rich and
famous because what you’re doing will bring you way more
rewards than you could ever imagine. Just keep doing what
you’re doing. You’re going to touch a lot of lives.”
A tiny lump starts forming in my throat. This battered old
man has totally caught me off guard. As have his beautiful
words. Perhaps this complete stranger is an angel in disguise,
sent down to encourage me on this new path?
“Thank you. Thank you for sharing that with me,” I choke
out the words, filled with gratitude and awe. As the stranger bids

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