Quixotic Life

"Felix, are you up? You don't want to be late."

"I'm on my way"

Everyday up at 6am. Today walking to the library to volunteer to read to the children.

"chirp chirp"

A baby bird lay on the sidewalk.

"Oh no, okay I'll get you to the veterinary office. Your wing looks hurt."

Stopping in to Mr. Chows veterinary practice isn't too far out of the way. It's cold inside and the bird visibly trembles. However, leaving it in the capable hands of the doctor is the right thing.

Out the doors, a man sits on the sidewalk. A vagrant. the putrid smell of a rough life. "I know a place where you can get cleaned up and fed".

The man, untrustingly looks back. Not seeing a way to refuse, accepts.

Small talk is forced and passes uncomfortably until the mission. Mrs. Jamie is inside, ready to welcome all visitors. Farewells are administered before leaving.

The warmth of the library hits him as the doors are forced open. The usual silence is disrupted by children coos and chatter. A single chair resides infront of the small group. A children's book lay to the side of the chair on a small side table.

Even children's books take a reasonable amount of practice before reading. The pages feel smooth as new unread books feel. The parents quiet the children who become easily captivated by the story. Everything is running like clockwork. The end is finished with a small unassuming bow.

Then, off to the pound for a local event to gain awareness and help for animals. The local news, as well as some of the larger publications will be there.

Dog barks and cat meows ring in symphony with the birds.

As the event gets going, hundreds come to champion the cause. Donations are collected like the hugs, given by the children, families have brought, in search of the pets they hope to adopt.

A long day, worth every smile used as pats on the back for every do gooder. Five hours, a minor price to pay. Except for maybe the hunger that now talks through gurgles.

The same path is now backtracked home, including an added stop to the sandwich shop. The counter has a jar for the children's hospital. A dollar and two coins are added. An audible clink that warrants a smile from the owner. Smiles, it's own currency.

The gate is open to home. Explanations of the days events are retold before finding the seclusion of the bedroom. The calendar on the wall gets one more x added, marking the day done. One more day closer to admissions.

"finally that shit is done. It's tiring being a good person. Hope it's enough.", He says to the calendar and mirror it resides next to. A spider drops from the ceiling disrupting the view of the goal. Luckily the pamphlet from the library and pound event are enough combined to roll up and kill the disgusting spider.

"How do they even get in? We sprayed this month? Come on!