I walked down three blocks to the neighborhood grocery three or four times a week to keep my produce and meats fresh and that afternoon was one of those days. I didn't buy much at each time, just a loaf of bread, some steaks and some fresh salad veggies today, so I could carry it easily and not have to drive my car. It gave me a reason to get out of the studio and get some fresh air, at least as fresh as it got in the city.
Checking out just ahead of me, I spotted Ms. Martinez and her three children, two girls and one boy. The Martinez family lived in one of the three apartments that occupied the lower floor of my building and I had seen her frequently enough to say hello but we'd never spent any real time together. This time though I noticed that she was having to carry the young boy and an enormous load of groceries in plastic bags and the two young teenage girls were both carrying their share.
As soon as I checked out, I hurried after them and caught up before they reached the first corner.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Martinez. It looks like you have your hands full. How about letting me carry those groceries since I don't have much to carry anyway?"
"Oh, thank you, Senor Orville. My Esteban is sick today or it would not be such a chore."
Carefully I took the bags from her and knew that she would have to be a strong woman if carrying that many groceries in bags that cut through your fingers was not a chore.
We headed out again, the two girls in front and me walking beside Ms. Martinez with the boy. "What's wrong with Esteban?" I asked.
"Oh, I think he has a cold. He has some fever and it has made him very sleepy."
We made small talk the rest of the way and I carried her bags into the kitchen. As I set them down, I asked, "Is there a Mr. Martinez? I've never seen him."
She laughed. "Yes, there is but that bastardo left us when I was pregnant with Esteban and now we are divorced. I swear he will never see the inside of my house ever again."
"I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't mean to stir up old wounds."
"No, it is alright. I don't usually think about him but when I do it makes me very angry that he would leave his family like that."
"Yes, I know what you mean. Hey, since Esteban doesn't feel good, I know you don't have time to cook. How about letting me fix dinner for you and the children tonight? I've got some good steaks that need someone who will appreciate them."
"Oh, Senor Orville, you do not need to do that for us."
"Ms. Martinez, I would really like the company. It gets rather lonely sometimes all by myself."
She laughed. "I don't think you are really lonely, senor. I see all the beautiful women who come to see you. However we will accept your kind invitation. Would seven o'clock be okay?"
"That will be great. I'll see you then."
I had just put the steaks on when the bell rang. I buzzed the door open and the family walked up. I waved them down to my living area and into the kitchen, where the salad was nearly ready as was some macaroni and cheese, which I figured the kids would like even if they didn't care for the salad. I asked how they liked their steaks cooked and was not surprised that all of them said well done.