Harold Chase

Harold Chase looked at everyone with a jaw- set, lips-pursed, don’t-mess-with-me attitude. He wore this hard face for most of his life.

The original purpose of this expression was to disarm and ward off the bullies of his youth. However, even though no one had bullied him for many years, his face had never softened.

As Harold walked toward the café near his apartment, he wondered if he would be able to get a seat. Lately, it had been too crowded with too many noisy kids and too many foul-mouthed teenagers. He felt like a cranky, old man—even though he was only 38.

Luckily, Harold found a seat near an open window. He was a people-watcher, but not in a good way. He usually had snarky thoughts about everyone who passed by.

As he looked around the café, he saw a young girl at the next table who was looking right at him.

With a big, toothy grin, she politely said, “Hello, mister!”

“Hello.”

“What’s your name, mister?”

“Harold Chase.”

“My name is Julietta Maya Gibson,” she said proudly.

Harold looked down at the menu, wishing that the conversation was over.

No such luck.

“Can I ask you a question, Harold?”

“I suppose so.”

“Where is your smile?”

“Huh?”

“Did you lose it somewhere?”

“Lose what?”

“Maybe it’s under your bed. I’ve lost a lot of things under mine.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe your dog hid it. My dog is always hiding my things.”

“Perhaps.”

“I hope you find your smile soon, Harold. I know that you’d have a beautiful smile. Everyone needs to smile!”

After a few moments of silent contemplation, Harold raised his head with tears in his eyes.

No one had ever talked to him with compassion and concern, and it felt oddly wonderful.

He paid the check at the front counter and turned around.

Julietta was still looking at him with the same toothy grin.

Their eyes met, and he smiled.

“Bye, Harold!” she said a little too loudly.

As Harold walked to his apartment, he thought about the young girl.

He had felt tenderness from another person, and it felt good.

From Carpet Creatures: Tales from the Deep Pile 
(Catalog #28-9)

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