We stopped and got a box of fresh peaches tonight. We were on a walk home. We didn’t have any cash. I inquired about the price. The guy who sells them is there every day during the summer with his truck and cargo shorts. I’d never spoken to him but he’s been there for years. Driven past him hundreds of times.
He gave us a taste of a peach. Cut a slice for each of us and handed us the juicy fruit. His hands looked like they had worked long hours his whole life. His nails were gnarly and skin was calloused. They looked strong.
He asked why we’d never stopped before. I said I never have cash. He made a joke about my husband keeping me barefoot and in the kitchen without any money. It didn’t offend me. I introduced him to my wife. He laughed and apologized. He asked what our son’s names were. Said they were cute.
He said they’re ripe now. This is the time to get them. I said I don’t have any cash but we will come back tomorrow. He shushed me. Cut a piece of cardboard and folded it into a box. Packed up 14 peaches. He touched each one before he placed it in the box. Turning them in his hands inspecting it to make sure they were good.
I said how much again. He said 20 bucks. Pay me later.
He handed me the box and told me to put them right into the fridge as soon as we got home. We walked the rest of the way home. We ate a peach as soon as we got in.
Take this fruit. Pay me later.
I trust you. It’s your choice to honor that trust and come back.
Good faith is a rare and precious commodity.
Fresh peaches. Fresh peaches from a kind person.
We will come back. With cash. And to buy more.
I wish everyone was this good to each other.
Don’t wait three years to stop.
