"An attitude of gratitude" *redux)

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

This is a Thanksgiving story I wrote many years ago and it became the first in my "Bowery Mission" series. For those of you not familiar with the Bowery Mission, it's an actal soup kitchen in NYC that has helped peole down on their luck since it was founded back in 1879.

The day was overcast and somber as a slight misting rain fell on the street; over the years it had absorbed the oil and grease from countless cars that traveled upon it, making parts of it slick and slippery at times.

It was early, yet the streets were busy and filled the the din of engines and horns blaring.People were heading out of or into the city for the holiday

Illya pulled the collar of his black raincoat up about his neck warding off the dampness as he continued walking. His black cap kept his hair dry, though in hindsight he should have brought and umbrella with him.

The sidewalks too were busy, given that it was the American holiday of Thanksgiving, that was not surprising.

The chill and dampness was getting to him finally got to him and he decided that instead of walking, he would take  a cab to his destination; with a loud whistle and a wave his hail called to a checkered cab instantly pulled up curbside.

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