There's a short man walking to the bus station. He's rolling a suitcase behind him and has a tattered black backpack slung over his shoulder. He has dark brown, messy hair, like he just got out of bed and didn't have time to get ready. His dress shirt is rumpled and half tucked into his pants, half not. He has an old cell phone against his ear.
"Hey, so we have a bit of a problem." he says to the person on the end of the line. Then a pause as they respond.
"Your mom kind of kicked me out." he explains. The voice on the other end is louder this time, but not enough to make out any words. The man's eyebrows shoot up and he holds back a smile.
"No need for violence. We just had an argument. I'm sure it'll blow over soon." he says, trying to calm the person on the other line, but they won't have any of it. They continue yelling and he winces several times throughout their rant. He sighs and takes his seat on the bench, running a hand through his unruly brown hair.
"You're wrong, you know. I do know your mom. She is not a slut. She's a beautiful woman who's caught in a tough situation. Cut her some slack, okay. She's trying." The love in his eyes is clear whether it's for the woman he's talking about or the woman he's talking too.
"Tell you what. Give her a day or two. I'll call her soon and maybe we can work things out." he reasons, examining the grime covering his shoelaces.
"I want you to keep an eye on her, okay? Promise me." he asks. He smiles at the person's soft response.
"Alright. Go home and get some sleep okay? Don't tire yourself out." He waits for their reply staring blankly at the cafe across the street from him.
"She needs you right now. Plus, you promised." he reminds the voice on the other end.
"Nice show, by the way. You guys really outdid yourself with the pudding segment." The person on the line says something and he smiles.
"Of course. Every week. I'll always watch you. Wait. That sounds stalkerish." he laughs. The bus pulls up, the brakes make a loud screech as it comes to a halt in front of the bench. The man grabs his suitcase and hoists it up the steps.
"Alright. I have to go. The bus is here. I love you."