David's got me covered

David could barely keep his eyes open. "Maybe just a little. . . tipsy." So he said. Maybe.

We talked for awhile, about nothing in particular. He likes his place in the shelter, after so many years sleeping outside.

"Are you okay?" he suddenly asked me.

"What do you mean?"

"You got a place tonight?"

"Oh yeah. I'm good." I think about my warm bed, surrounded by various comforts.

"Because, if you needed a place, I'd find you a room or something," David assured me. "We have to take care of each other. We're all family here." He waved his arm around the TV room.

Indeed.

I've been talking to homeless people steadily for twenty eight years now. As far as I can remember, this is the first time I was offered accomodations for the night. It was the sweetest moment ever.