Page 127 of Seasons of Love
She nods. “If there’s an opportunity for the school to be involved, please let me know. The success of the Spring Fair taught me how the community can really pull together in times of need.” She stands. “I’m sure I’ll run into you in town at some point, but whatever you’re doing, enjoy the rest of your time off. And think about what we discussed today. We make a good team, and most of the teachers have expressed their desire to get involved in other projects or prefer focusing on teaching.”
“Thank you, Principal Lewis. I will consider it and let you know at the start of the new school year.”
I have little time to stop at home, especially since I still want to look up a few things, but I can do that another day. I’m sure Milo will already have plenty of resources with what I have for him.
When I arrive at the playground, it’s as deserted as the last time I saw it. There are a few wooden picnic tables that seem relatively clean, so I step on a bench and sit on one.
From here, I have a definite vantage point of the surrounding area. It looks as if all the streets were built to lead to or from the playground and the church, which is an interesting layout I haven’t noticed before. I wonder if it was intentional planning.
The few houses that front the square have their shutters closed even though it’s not dark yet. There’s a feeling of sadness around here. This part of town never recovered from the closure of the mill, and it’s affected not just that generation but their children too.
I look at my phone. It’s almost time for Tyler and the soup kitchen crew to arrive, but there’s no sign of Milo.
He said he’s working but finishing early today. I regret not taking his phone number now.
“Hey, Ellis.”
I turn and see Tyler approaching.
“Hey, man. You heard from Milo by any chance?”
He shakes his head but takes his phone out. “Should I have?”
“Nah. We were supposed to meet here early but he didn’t show. Stupid me, I forgot to ask for his number.”
Tyler puts his phone to his ear and waits. “Going to voicemail. He’s probably stuck at work. His boss is kind of a douche.”
I’ve seen the man walk around the store once or twice but never paid much attention to him. Milo must be sad to miss his time in the kitchen today, especially since he said this was the only one he could do this week.
I get down from the table. “I guess I’m on pan duty then.”
Tyler laughs. “Thankfully for you, this is a soup kitchen and not a retirement home.”
“Oh man.” I shudder.
I follow Tyler inside, and we get busy with the preparation. Now that I’ve been a few times and know my way around, I feel like I’m no longer a hindrance, having to ask where things are or what to do next.
Bob and Dave take the food outside while I help Anne and Emy with the rest.
Without Milo helping, I’ve been trying to keep up with the dishes as we go, so I haven’t seen people as they arrive like I usually do.
The chatter today is different. It sounds more animated at some tables, while at others, it’s more subdued.
Anne sighs. “This thing about the parking lot is affecting everyone. Even those who don’t live anywhere near the square or the church.”
“Does anyone know for sure it’s happening?” I ask.
“I heard there was a planning notice on a board in the town hall. If it’s not disputed, it can go ahead.”
“What’s the deadline?”
She shrugs. “That I don’t know.”
We ring the bell to start serving. The line forms quickly, but the chatter doesn’t stop. As people come closer, I overhear some comments.
“What’s the point? They’ll fit in what, twenty cars?”
“Not if they build one of those, whatchacallit, multilevel parking garages.”
