This is another short story with the same character but on a different night. For better or worse, I've no more to share, but thank you for this opportunity to let me read them again after a year of having them shut away.

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At Midnight
July 2, 2001

Two or three times a week he would come in the diner at around midnight. He always sat in the booth in the corner, if it was available. And usually it was at that time. He would sit very still and look out on the street.

What would you like tonight? Delia asked, not bothering with the menu because she knew what he would have. The usual?

Thank you. The usual would be fine. His voice was soft, his smile was shy, his eyes were sad.

We have some apple pie tonight that isnt too bad. Would you like to try a piece?

No, thank you. Perhaps another night.

He would never vary from his menu. She asked because it was a way to hear him talk. He had a silky tone to his soft voice that she found soothing.

Having a hard nights work?

He shook his head. No harder than usual. No harder than you.

Let me know if theres anything I can get you.

I will. He turned back to his consideration of the street.

Delia put his order in.

So your boyfriend is here again, Josh said from the back.

I wish. Delia cleaned the counter but she was watching him as she did, when she could.

A woman entered the caf She had a very short skirt and very high heels and there was a definite swing to her hips when she moved.

Hey, Delia, whats going on?

Not much, Ruby. You want a cup a coffee?

Only if you dont have rum. Ruby spotted the man. Good-looking guy.

Leave him alone, Ruby.

You got dibs on him?

Dont be silly.

Ruby rolled her shoulders and set in motion toward his booth. Hey, handsome. Want some company?

He looked up. No, thank you.

Ruby was not to give up so easily. She slid into the seat opposite him. You look so sad, handsome. I could cheer you up.

Not tonight.

You think youre too good for me?

Not at all. His gaze seemed to disconcert her. She slipped back out of the booth.

What kind of creepy guy, are you, anyway?

Ruby, leave him alone. Come over here.

Ruby weaved back to the counter.

Delia spoke in low tones. Look, he is just some poor tired guy that works the graveyard shift and comes in here for a little quiet.

He looked at me like he was dissecting me with his eyes, and I dont mean that in a flattering way. Whats with him?

He just wants to be left alone.

Well, he can stay that way as far as I am concerned. Ruby looked back at him. Too bad. Cute. But buggy somehow. Give me that coffee to go. I got to hit the streets again.

You got it.

Ruby paid for a small cup; Delia gave her a large. Ruby sashayed to the door. She glanced over her shoulder to see if he was watching but he was looking back at the street. Ruby shrugged at Delia and left.

Delia heard his pager go off. He looked at the display and rose. She saw him put down money for a meal he didnt have.

Are you a doctor? Are you off to save a life?

Not exactly, he said, with a tone in his voice that made her want to put her arms around him and give him a hug. That impulse disappeared when he spoke again. When my pager goes off, it always means somebody has died.

He gave her another of his sweet, sad smiles and walked out of the diner. He wouldnt be back that night.