I went up to his window that he rolled down. ”Oh, I am so glad to see you. I am lost.” ”Listen, lady. I already turned off the meter.” ”Okay, Okay, but I need to go across the Bridge to the Eastside.” ”No. I never go across the Bridge. Stay right here. Another Cabbie will be coming by.” ”But…” ”Sorry, I am tired. I have been behind the wheel since 3p.m. and it is almost 3 A.M.”
I just stood there unsure of what to do. With everything taken into account, mostly because I was shocked that it was almost 3 A.M. And he did look tired, heavy, and uncomfortable. ”Just stay here. Another Taxicab will be coming.” And he rolled the window up and zoomed off.
Before I could sit back on the fire hydrant. Another Cabbie was coming! I stood in the street waving and jumping up and down. When he stopped. I started crying and I said in one long breath: ”I have cash at home (and I did) I had a $50.00 bill given to me by one of my Parking Cars people.
Tears came down my face, trying to explain, that I had lost my truck, and I was lost and, if you take me home I will pay you double. ”Get in. Get in.” He had an accent and said, ”He was from Japan and now mostly retired. I got in the back seat. And he handed me a box of Kleenex. So busy blowing my nose and trying to calm down. He was nice enough not to ask me questions.
As he talked. I could hear the smile in his voice when he said, ”That he worked part-time as a Taxicab driver and enjoyed all the interesting people he met. I hesitated for a second and his kindness made it easy to tell him my problems. He was so kind that I told him all about my horrible night that turned into a nightmare with tears still falling.
I let out a big breath as I ran up the stairs and into the house. When I came back, I handed him the $50.00. He fidgeted with pocket change. ”No, No, Sir, please. I really appreciate your service. You helped me. And your kindness took away such a crummy night. ”Thank you.”
He thanked me and said, ”That I was a people person. And if we had more time together we would become friends. You take care.” He nodded, stepped on the gas and drove away.
A night and Banquet Event…….I will never ever forget!!!