Larry (standard:other, 1733 words)
Author: Pitter Pat	Added: Jun 26 2003	Views/Reads: 3648/2275	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
An edit - The story of a young man who tries to do right, but doesn't go about it in a socially acceptable way. Comments and edits are welcome

In the small town square, Larry sat alone on a wooden park bench.  The
faded paint and weather worn graffiti amplified Larry's distraught 
mood.  He stared at Mr. Walker's grocery store across the street. The 
faded sign, WALKER'S GROCERY had hung there since the store opened in 
the sixties. 

‘Mr. Walker has done much for our community,' thought Larry as he
remember the benefit Mr. Walker had sponsored for Billy Chapman when he 
needed surgery and had no money.  ‘People come from miles around to 
shop in his store because of his friendly service and fair prices.' 

Larry shook his head and slowly rose. He could no longer stand the
gnawing hunger swelling in his stomach.  Knowing of no other way to 
satisfy his hunger, Larry slowly walked toward the intersection with 
his hands in his pant pockets and his head hung low.  As he stood 
waiting for the crossing light to flash WALK, Larry nervously shifted 
from foot to foot. His thin faded blue jacket was no match for the 
brisk fall wind that chilled him. 

As the traffic sped by, Larry tried not to think of what he was about to
do.  Mr. Ellis's flashy red truck squealed to a stop as the crossing 
light flashed WALK. Crossing the two-lane street in front of the 
anxious driver, Larry wondered, ‘How does he do it? He hasn't worked a 
day in the past five years nor has he looked for a job, but there he 
sits in a new truck.' 

Larry slowly walked through the grocery store's automatic doors, his
eyes stopping for a moment on the metal detectors.  ‘If he only knew 
how easy it is to take things from his store...' Larry walked through 
the store aisles searching for Mr. Walker. He spotted him through the 
open storeroom door and entered. 

Beads of sweat were pouring down Mr. Walker's face as he moved boxes
from the delivery door to a neatly stacked group of boxes against the 
far wall. “Hi Mr. Walker, how's it going today?” Larry asked trying to 
sound casual. 

“The work here is never done, I have to get this stuff out of the
doorway before the next truck comes,” he said without stopping his 
work. Larry took off his jacket and helped move the boxes.  After 
working for a half hour, the job was complete. 

Mr. Walker pulled a dirty handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his
brow. “Thank you, kid, you were a great help.” 

Larry lowered his head and took a deep breath gathering all the courage
he could find.  He looked deeply into Mr. Walker's eyes, “you know how 
bad I need a job. I'm a good worker.” 

Mr. Walker turned away, “we've been through this many times, Larry. I've
explained why I can't hire you. This is a small town. People wouldn't 
take kindly to seeing you work here. I'd lose business. Times are hard 
and I have a family to feed, I can't afford to lose business.” 

Larry nervously pulled at the string on his worn jacket and softly
continued, “it's not my fault my brother's anger made him do wrong. I 
had nothing to do with him killing that man.  I would never do anything 
like that.”  His eyes moistened, “Johnny made a mistake after mom and 
dad were killed in the car accident. Their death is not an excuse, it's 
just that he was so angry...” He hesitated fighting back the tears; “I 
need a job so I can feed myself.  I don't need much. I'd gladly work in 
the backroom and stay out of sight or work after the store is closed 
stocking shelves. 

“I just can't do it,” Mr. Walker said with a sympathetic look. “You need
to move on boy. No one in this town is going to hire you.  There is 
nothing holding you here anymore. Charlie Jenkins is never going to let 
you see his daughter again, you should know that by now.” Larry sadly 
nodded.  “Relocate far away from here and find yourself a new life 
where no one is familiar with the Logan name.” 

Larry watched Mr. Walker as he turned and walked into the main part of
the store. Larry put on his jacket and followed into the store, 
stopping at the refrigeration section.  He carefully checked the prices 
and picked up the cheapest brand of lunchmeat.  He carried it to the 


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