“A few gallons several times,” I corrected.
Clark looked around.
“I have a family! I have two kids. Do any of you understand what things cost now? Groceries, school expenses, gas—everything.”
For half a second, I felt myself soften.
Because I did remember.
Nancy and I had raised a family.
There had been years when every unexpected bill mattered.
Years when filling the gas tank required checking the bank account first.
I understood financial pressure.
Then Tom said, “Didn’t you just buy a fishing boat?”
Silence.
Clark’s expression changed.
That ended the sympathy rather quickly.
He straightened.
“That is different. I work hard for my money.”
Mrs. Delgado stared at him.
“So does everybody else.”
Then Clark turned toward my driveway.
Earl sat exactly where he’d been for most of the day.
“He doesn’t even go anywhere!” Clark shouted. “That truck sits there half the week!”
And that was when Mrs. Patterson arrived.
She had slowly made her way from near the corner with her cane.
She stopped beside us.
“Frank gets my groceries every Thursday.”
Clark looked at her.
Tom spoke next.
“He hauled my old washing machine away.”
Mrs. Delgado added, “He helps with pickups for the church pantry.”
