Amon. Dad.

“Just me – party of one.”

She smiled, like I was clever.

“This ok?”

She sat me in a booth, sharing a back with Nick. Didn’t know his name til an hour later when she said behind me, “Thanks for dining with us tonight… [pause to look at the bill] Nick.”

“Gotta go son, gonna lose WiFi.”

Son was Greg – I knew after Nick’s FaceTime while I ordered and ate. 

Sheesh. An hour. Maybe longer. 

By eavesdropping context, I’d peg Greg around 25, who guessed it was 15 years ago when dad took him and his brother to Dentistry 4 Kids in what I envisioned was a nondescript strip mall.

Seemed by the time both brothers were done with their fluoride, they were hangry. As dad waited, I imagine he smelled some food in the basement, because that’s where Amon’s sandwich shop was. 

Over many years, each time Greg stopped in there – not for a checkup, but some lunch on a work break, or any reason in the neighborhood – Amon asked about his brother and dad. 

Seems one time, Greg tried to leave Amon a big tip, which Amon declined. Greg left the cash on the counter, and as Greg tried to escape, Amon tossed 2 candy bars at his back. 

At least, that’s what I gathered after my salad came.

A few lots down from Amon’s building is apparently an Outback Steakhouse. Greg wants to take Amon there in 2 weeks. He’s gonna lunch at Amon’s next week – only a little out of his way after a doctor’s appointment – and he’ll drop off a bouquet for Amon’s counter, to dress it up for all the people in the tall building who grab sandwiches at Amon’s with their quick, “Thanks,” and his, “Have a good one.”

Greg might also bring a single rose, for Amon to give his wife who’s sometimes there but never speaks – a shy immigrant with a twinkling smile through which Greg hasn’t ever heard a word.

Greg’s non-dental appointment next week is for something that kept the 25 year old (?) on worker’s comp too uncomfortably long.

Dad agreed Greg has been dealt some shitty cards lately.

To me – verbally anyway – Greg shrugged it off, telling dad he has close friends who have gone homeless for long times – maybe years? Greg thanked dad and his mom that he has had it pretty good – despite the shitty cards recently. 

Nick told him his brother once said, “I just like people, dad.”

So I’ll just end this tale there. Amon sure seems to like people.

Greg and his brother do. 

I bet dad does.

….

Neil D. 2025-02-19