Page 25 of Theo of Golden

“I can’t pay you for this.”

“Nor would I take it if you could, Mr. Kendrick. This is a gift. It has been in the Chalice for weeks now, but it belongs with you, or with someone you love. Please, I think you’ll like it very much.”

Kendrick said nothing, still uncertain of Theo’s intent or the meaning of the moment. He reached out reluctantly and then, as if having touched a live wire, took a step backward.

His eyes widened, and he dropped his hands, both curled into fists, to his sides. He had learned from the streets and had been told as a boy by his grandmother never to take a bag or a box or a bottle from someone without first knowing with total certainty what was in it. The wrapped item that Theo had offered him was suddenly sinister, as welcome as a venomous snake. Kendrick’s face became tense and cautious, his body defensive. He stared at the object in Theo’s hand as if it were a mad dog on a tight chain. Then his eyes darted in every direction. He finally looked back at the befuddled old man.

“Who are you? What do you want with me?”

Kendrick would later wonder why he did not run away at that moment.

Theo’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of utter confusion. Until that moment, it had never occurred to him that a wrapped package might evoke suspicion or have the appearance of a sting or entrapment. Kendrick knew about such things.

Theo hastened to put the young man’s mind at ease. “No, no. You misunderstand. Please. Look.”

Theo peeled back the plain brown paper as quickly as he could, then held up the portrait in both hands.

The young man looked hard at the picture, only once taking a glance around to be assured of his safety. His hands gradually relaxed, his eyes focused, and, without knowing he’d done it, he took a step toward Theo.

Kendrick had seen the portrait once, from across the room at the Chalice. He had been struck by the likeness the face bore to his own, but he could not imagine it was really him being taken seriously by a real artist. He had never gotten near enough in the Chalice to conclude that it was, indeed, himself.

He did remember someone taking a photograph of him in the coffee shop one day. It had made him uncomfortable, and he did not fully understand what the purpose was.

But now, up close, he could see that someone had taken great effort and given painstaking attention to every detail, every line, every shadow in his face. Someone had deemed him worthy of their time. Worthy enough to be matted, under glass, and framed.

Theo gushed with apology. “Mr. Kendrick, please, please forgive me.

I didn’t mean to alarm you.”

Kendrick nodded.

Theo asked, “Have you seen this before?”

“I’m not sure.”

The frown and the furrows receded from Kendrick’s face. He leaned forward and gazed at the portrait cradled in the crook of Theo’s arm. His eyes were bright with wonderment. He remained silent, as did Theo, for a matter of seconds.

Kendrick studied the drawing.

Theo studied Kendrick.

“It’s yours if you’d like it, Mr. Kendrick. I assure you, I mean no harm. It is simply a gift.”

Kendrick received it delicately. His head bobbed as if to exhale words that were stuck in his throat.

Theo broke the silence. “You like it, yes?”

Kendrick nodded. He finally looked at Theo. “Why are you doin’ this? Who are you? How do you know me?” Theo returned his gaze, soft eyes above a closed smile.

“Mr. Kendrick, I’m an old man with a long story. And I don’t know anything about you except the portrait. I moved here recently and saw your picture at the coffee shop one day.” Theo nodded toward the Chalice. “I saw all the portraits there and was told they were for sale. I don’t know where the idea came from —maybe heaven? — but I wanted you to have your portrait. In fact, I hope to give all of them away. So, I bought yours — did you know your name is on the back? — and I wrote you the letter and, well, here we stand.”

Kendrick listened intently. His countenance, while relaxed, still tilted toward apprehension.

“Mr. Kendrick, do you know the saying, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’?”

Kendrick nodded. His grandmother had quoted that scripture verse to him many times.

Theo leaned in. “I tell you, it’s true.”