Sara

Sara enjoyed waitressing at Rudy's Cafe. The pay could be better but she liked working for Freddie despite his temperment. This wasn't what she had dreamed for herself at age 50 but it would have to do for now.

It seemed like only yesterday Sara was a young horticultural student at Penn State. Her life was filled with promise and she was excited about her future. She met Lester shortly after arriving in PA. He was twice her age and was a phys ed instructor for the university. He was attentive and kind in the beginning, just the type of man Sara hoped to find. There relationship lasted close to 20 years. By the time Sara decided to move on; the relationship had turned abusive and unfullfilling to say the very least. About 9 months ago she decided to pack up a few belongings and leave the dark basement apartment and her partner behind while he was at work. Sara and her two children needed a fresh start more than they needed a partner and father. The kids didn't seem to miss their dad and never asked for him. This surprised Sara especially in regards to 9 year old Amy who was the apple of her father's eye. Her son Daniel seemed relieved and appreciated the distance between he and Lester. His Dad had been hard on Daniel. No more waiting on an unappreciative elderly father and no more watching the abuse of his mom. Daniel was 13 and was perfectly content spending his free time playing on his X-box. Anna was more outgoing and loved drawing, dancing and singing. She hoped to be a model and singer someday.

Sara looked up when she heard the clang of the bell on the front door to see Dana, a regular customer, enter the cafe. She met the older man at his usual spot, a booth intended for four which had seen better days. Sara heard the vinyl squeak and the duct tape patches scratch as Dana slide into the booth.

"Coffee?" she asked and started to pour in anticipation

"Sure.....you got any of Franks rolls today?" Dana wasn't a big sweet eater but dropped by the cafe most days for some of Frank's homemade yeast rolls and a cup of coffee.

"Sure do. Can I get you anything else?" Sara asked routinely

"No thanks, dear. Some rolls and butter would be fine." Dana craned his neck to catch a glimpse of his dog waiting patiently in the drivers seat pick up. He had promised his canine companion a roll if he behaved.

"Here you go. Enjoy!" Sara set the small basket of rolls and butter on the table and looked out the front window of the cafe. It was a gray and rainy morning and she hoped the weather would clear before Amy and Daniel got off the bus.

"How are the two little ones?" Dana seemed to read what was on the waitesses mind

"Oh, they're good, thank you. How you doing, Dana? And your pooch?"

"We are both fine. He's a good boy. I think I might drag out some of my paints today and get back into my painting." The old man seemed excited at the prospect.

"Painting? That would be nice. These Maine winters are great for hobbies....not much else to do." Sara looked up as another couple entered the cafe and sent the bell into a series of metal clangs.

"Yup."

Sarah heard the icy rain ping against the window glass and thought of her children once again. Her shift ended at 3:00. If she was lucky she could meet the bus as it dropped off Amy and Daniel.