Some of the pictures people post definitely have a story to tell. I hope you can tell which picture this story comes from

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A BRIEF REUNION

Kid sat in the seat of the surrey, the fingers of one gloved hand intertwined in the metal framework of the fringed canopy. He'd been waiting across the street from the Homeless Shelter for nearly an hour, unsure of when her shift might end.

He had just happened to see her walking into the Homeless Shelter that morning, with three other women all dressed in navy blue wool skirts and jackets, neatly pressed white blouses, and a navy tie about the collar, the standard uniform of the Christian Mission Organization. Each carried a carefully guarded Bible.

He had returned mid afternoon, hoping to catch her as she got off duty. When he finally saw her emerge, his eyes and face lit up and a sweet and happy smile stretched across his face. He jumped out of the surrey and approached the edge of the road.

"Sister Grace," he called, raising one gloved hand into the air to draw her attention.

Grace stopped and squinted, the afternoon sun casting a shadowy glare on the man now darting across the street.

"It's me, Thaddeus," he called to her.

Her jaw dropped and she smiled in recognition before making a quick excuse to her companion and hurrying down the walk to the open gate.

Kid wrapped her in his arms, lifted her up off the ground and swung her around before landing her back on her feet and taking a step back.

"You look wonderful, Sister Grace. You actually look...so happy."

"It's just Grace now, Thaddeus, and yes, I am happy. I've finally discovered the work God really wants me to do," she said smiling up at him.

"I saw you going in there this morning and I knew I couldn't leave town without stopping by to see you. Can I buy you supper?"

"Well, I..."

"Even people who feed the poor have to eat, Grace."

She smiled. "Yes they do. Alright, Thaddeus."

Kid took her arm to lead her across the street. "That's my surrey over there," he explained.

"Is Joshua with you?"

"No, he's in Red Rock. I'm supposed to meet him there the day after tomorrow."

"So what are you doing here?" she asked after he had helped her into the surrey.

"A job. I had to deliver a package to someone. How long have you been living here?"

"A little over a year."

"So you'd know the nice restaurants?"

"I know the reasonable ones."

Kid smiled. "Still working on being a bit frivolous, uh?"

"I've learned to have my moments of frivolity," she replied.

Kid smiled. "So where would you like to eat?"

"There's a nice place about three blocks ahead called Clapps."

"Clapps it is, then."

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"So, tell me how you ended up here. Certainly a long way from Apache Springs, but nowhere close to Boston," Kid said as they sat at a table and sipped coffee while waiting for their meals to arrive.

"Well, I left Apache Springs with the full intention of returning home to Boston. But the stage had an all night layover here and outside our hotel was a Christian Mission Preacher sharing the Word of God and, Thaddeus, he was everything you said he was supposed to be. Listening to him made by blood run cold, just like you said."

Kid wasn't sure if he should be happy for her or not. He wasn't sure if she'd been duped once again or not.

"And then what?" Kid asked.

"So I stayed until he was finished and I waited until everyone had left..."

"That sounds a might dangerous, Grace,' Kid said cautiously.

Grace shook her head. "No, it wasn't anything like that, Thaddeus. He was kind and genuine, and he told me about the Christian Mission, the work they do, the help they need. I asked him if he would take me there, but he said no."

"No? Why?"

"He said we were strangers and it was nighttime, and even though he was a man of God, it would not be proper for him to escort me there at night. But he gave me the address and told me to come by in the morning. So I did."

"And?"

"And as it turned out, he was the Administrator of the Mission. He said he was working the night before because the person who was supposed to be there had taken ill and he believed that should not stop the Word of God from being told."

Kid sat back in his chair. "So he hired you right then and there?"

"He showed me around first, introduced me to the others working at the Mission. Asked me about my background. He said he was impressed with my devotion. Then he hired me right then and there...Thaddeus, does that trouble you?"

Kid splayed both his hands. "You've been there a year. You certainly look happy. Do you feel safe working there, Grace?"

"Very," she replied.

"Then no, it doesn't worry me, Grace. In fact, I'm very happy you found your calling."

Grace smiled. "I have, Thaddeus. I really have."

The meals arrived and the conversation dwindled for a while.

"So, you said you've learned to be a little frivolous. How so?"

"I live in a boarding house with the other women working at the mission and we're paid a small stipend. We do things women like to do. We go shopping and I buy things women like to buy."

"Like that Lilac perfume you're wearing. It smells nice, Grace."

Grace blushed but thanked him.

"Thaddeus, this never would have happened if you hadn't been so honest with me, if you hadn't financed my trip east. If you hadn't..."

"Kissed you?"

Grace blushed a second time. "I'd never kissed a man before," she whispered.

Kid already surmised that back in Apache Springs, but he didn't let on to her that he'd known.

"I hope you've kissed a few more since me," he said

She couldn't bring herself to look at him but she blushed again and Kid smiled broadly.

"You have! Grace, I'm proud of you. You're doing what you want to do. You're not letting life pass you by without learning what it's all about, and your even a little frivolous. I'm happy for you, Grace. I really am."

This time she was able to raise her eyes to meet his. "And I'm grateful to you, Thaddeus. You urged me down the road to my life's path. I'll always be thankful to you for that."

Kid smiled. He was glad he had decided to hang around when he had spied Grace that morning. And he was glad he'd helped someone find their path in life.

After dinner, Kid drove Grace to her boarding house and walked her up to the door.

"You won't think me too bold..."

She looked up into his eyes and smiled. "I think you're a night in shining armor."

He smiled and leaned down and kissed her.

"I'm glad I ran into you again, Grace, and I'm very glad you're happy.

"I hope you find that happiness one day, Thaddeus. I think God will be sure that you do."

"Kid smiled. "Good night, Grace."

Author's Note: The Christian Mission organization evolved into what is now known as the Salvation Army.