Of sauces, fries and sealing wax

~and chances and sins~

Yesterday evening, on my way home, I thought would pop into one of those little shops that sell those sinfully delicious French Fries, and indulge myself. Normally I don't eat junk food but yesterday, I fairly lusted after it.

I bought the fries and began to sample them on the way home. I hadn't gone far, when I saw a figure tentatively detach itself from the shade of the doorway a little further down the street and begin a hesitant progress in my direction. Surprised, but un-alarmed, I continued walking, munching on the second potato miracle, nodding appreciatively at the tumultuous reception of those goodies by my taste buds, when my attention was brought back by a sibilant whisper "excuse me, sir, but would you happen to have some loose change to buy food?" The speaker was a rather plump, unkempt woman. Now, in principle, I don't encourage giving money to people, because I am not sure what they will use it for. But, if someone asks me money for food, I feel bad as I believe no-one should go hungry. So, I stopped and said, "well I can offer you this," extending the fries to her, calling her bluff, if that was what it was. She responded with "really? Can I have it all? What about you?" As I was on my way home, I said I would cook and eat shortly and she was welcome to the fries, an offer she happily accepted, returning to her nook to munch on them, and I continued on homeward.

Only a little later the true import of the situation struck me: was it only a coincidence that I had chosen that very day to buy the fries? Was there some hidden purpose in this sudden desire of mine? I don't know. But what I do know is that on the way home I felt laughter welling up inside me, insistent, cheerful and bubbly -- a kind of compensation, perhaps, that I'd only had two French fries to myself.

And the sealing wax? It doesn't really come into the story. The title sounds prettier when I include it, though.