The Little King

Here’s a quick short story, as I sit here and listen to the rain against my window panes. As I was sitting here I remembered a writing exercise for when you feel like writing, but don’t have an exact story in mind. Picture one vivid detail and then the rest will come. Since it’s pouring cats and dogs I’m reflecting on a time I was caught in the rain late at night with no umbrella, quiets streets and an awning. Hope you enjoy!

Waiting under an battered awning hoping the rain would let up soon, there stood a man. “Sir, sir…, ma’am”… Finally someone caught his gaze. “Sir, do you happen to have the time?” “Yes, it’s 7:11 PM”, he replied. “Thank you”

“Crap. I have less than 30 minutes to make it back to shelter and this rain won’t let up”, the man muttered to himself. The man looked down at his feet, he stood in a pool of water looking at his torn sneakers. I should probably wrap these with plastic bags to keep some warmth, in case I don’t make it back to the shelter in time.

The man walked to the subway station. Maybe I’ll have better luck here, it’s still rush hour and kindness does come in numbers, the man thought to himself. “Sir, sir… ma’am”…could you spare any change, I’m hungry and hoping to be able to buy a bite to eat tonight.” “I have my own family to feed”, one woman said as she pushed past him, “Move over there and go shower or something you’re going to ruin my appetite at this rate.”

A small child appeared, “Hey Mister, What’s your name?”. “Rex, well Regis, but most people call me Rex.” “Hi, Rex, my mom saw you from across the platform and asked me to give you some money.” “Do you want to know my name, Reg…, I mean Rex?” “Sure thing little man, what’s your name?” My name is Reagan, it’s mean little king. The boy started to speak in a deep voice. “If I were King for a day I would help all the homeless people and make sure no one in the world was hungry…” “There, there Reagan that’s enough”. The woman looked up. “Hi, I’m Megan, Reagan’s mom, sorry he gets ahead of himself sometimes.” “No, no problem at all, you guys made this rainy day a bit brighter. Rex, my name’s Rex by the way. Nice to meet you Megan, I appreciate the money. I’ll be able to have a warm meal tonight. Do you happen to have the time Megan?” “Why yes, it’s 7:21 PM.” Megan notices Rex looking down, “Why, did you need anything?” “Well, I was trying to make it back to the shelter before it closes at 7:30PM but what you’ve done is more than enough.” Rex started to walk away, but before he left he turned and said, “Hey Reagan, you’d make a benevolent king and bowed”