man down...
October 10, 2007
There’s a guy flat out on his back in the middle of Starbucks this morning. A big man, dark with dirt. His eyes are closed. I line up; notice, nobody’s in a panic. I look over at him and make sure he’s breathing. Yes, his chest rises and falls. Ask: Has someone called an ambulance. Three baristas answer simultaneously: Yes, one is on the way. Like they've been asked this a hundred times in about two minutes. He’s got a buddy with him, sitting at the table. His buddy smiles, embarrassed. Does not hover at his friend's side, but rather keeps his distance. Is there, will not abandon his friend but also maintains a distance. This is not a café full of heartless people. Several go over and talk to the man. When it’s my turn to order, I side-glance the prostrate man. “What did he have?” I say.
1 Comment
1. Paulette had this to say: Oct 24, 2007 ~ 15:01 ~ #
I would have ordered what he had…could use a little break today. I have never had an ambulance ride.