A little over 30 grand that represented everything I could save and scrimp together from the last 20 years. What I wore and the contents of my truck w...re all I had in the world. I had never felt freer in my life. The one waitress came by occasionally to refill my beer, and once, to bring me a burger and fries. I leaned back against the wall and listened to the house band cover classic rock bands. They were actually pretty good. When they took a break, I sent them a couple of pitchers of beer. " The little bell rang again as Kelly opened the door, the sudden flood of noise drowned out Mr. Green's "Awwww, Mama..." behind her. Everything was suddenly too bright, too loud and too fast around her. She held the paper bag close to her chest while she watched and waited for a chance to cross the street. A bicyclist in advertisement-laden white Speedo and a large curved bike helmet zipped past in the bike lane, tires whirring as he passed. With the light changed to red and no cars turning. Staying away from good food was impossible.I stayed alone and didn’t cook much. I jumped at the opportunity and accepted the invitation. I never knew what was in store for me that day. My friend was already there when I reached. He had also invited his girlfriend. Uncle was married and was living in a rented apartment there. When I first looked at her, I was stunned. I even looked at my uncle twice to understand how to get a wife like that. She was fair as milk. Her lips made the perfect shape. " Ray took off running and Mike was soon after him. When his buddies started chasing after the two of them, I was forced to start running as well. Ray was a terrific runner, fast, and with amazing endurance. It was the one physical area where he could easily out perform me and almost everyone else in the neighborhood. I assumed that he was simply going to put enough distance between himself and Mike, that he'd get Mike to eventually give up and quit chasing him. He had a different idea though,.