A Story. - Lightning.

 Since I get fewer views on Youtube than I get on this blog, I've decided to put my very short stories up here instead.  They will go up about once a week.  

                                    Lightning

Paul had mentored Brad for several weeks and they were developing a good rapport.  Brad was at the residential centre for juveniles because of drug charges, petty theft.  They worked together cutting grass, tending gardens.  Gradually, Brad began to talk about his past:  his foster homes, his mother's addictions.  He shared with Brad that he wanted a job to earn some money.

Paul arranged an off-site work placement with a landscaper one day a week.

Brad was happier; Paul celebrated their progress.

But one morning, Brad, like lighting thunder, lashed out, yelling, swearing, punching Paul.  The past was not so easily left behind.

This story is loosely based on the experience of a friend of mine who worked with youth in a residential centre.  My friend, a kind-hearted soul, didn't stay in the field.  He got too emotionally involved with the kids and couldn't handle the realities of troubled lives. For those people who do stay in the work long-term, I have nothing but admiration.

And since this is a gardening blog, here is a little pink rose covered in raindrops.

Take care.