That homeless man
(Natasha POV)
This happened when we left the restaurant. Bruce and I were with Henry and Noe.
We were talking as we would were headed to the same direction.
"Let's take a right. This alley is directly across our home." (Bruce)
"I didn't know that."
That was the first time I had heard of it. It usually takes 30 minutes to get to this location. Because there are no direct roads. If this alley is connected to the other side, then our house is right there.
"That's good then. Our destination is a straight line from there." (Henry)
I didn't know where Henry lived but it's probably close given how casual he is about meeting with us.
We entered the alley and were walking through it. It's a bit dirty and has a few dumpsters. A kind of road I wouldn't take if I was alone.
But I see something on the side. Bruce noticed it as well.
"What are you doing down there?" (Bruce)
He asked a person. The same person both Bruce and Henry were talking to. He was sitting on the road leaning against the wall.
He looked our way but was searching for us. He is blind from the looks of it. But he sniffed around a few times.
"Oh, Bruce and Henry and two women I don't know. What are you in this gloomy alley?"
"That's my question. Didn't you say you were going home?" (Bruce)
"This is my home. I have been living here for past 7 years."
"What?"
Both Bruce and Henry shouted. This is a bit questionable.
"We thought you were cosplaying as a blind homeless guy. Are you really blind, Harry?" (Bruce)
"Yeah. I blinded myself. Anyway, we are meeting tonight. Don't forget." (Harry)
"We know. I have a lot of questions. Henry has too. Be prepared for tonight." (Bruce)
"By the way, aren't you going to introduce your wife, Bruce?" (Harry)
"You did say that you are blind. So how exactly did you know that she is my wife?" (Bruce)
"Well, she is giving off a scent which is oddly similar to you. Only happens when you two are intimate. So marriage treating you good?" (Harry)
This man is perceptive. But it makes me happy that we are alike.
"After losing your eyes, your other senses became sharp. I see. Anyway, this is my wife Natasha. You can't see her though." (Bruce)
"I can't see but I can feel. I can feel her spiritual wave." (Harry)
"So, you didn't lose your spiritual perception? Then you can feel my Noe too?" (Henry)
"How bold of you. That bed wetting kid is calling a woman his. How you all have grown up! Makes me feel like I am ancient." (Harry)
He is laughing. And Henry is a bit red. Bruce chuckles.
"Bruce, what day is today?" (Harry)
"It's July 28, Friday. Why?" (Bruce)
"So, 28 of July. I guess I am now 48." (Harry)
"What? Today is your birthday?" (Bruce)
"No. It was yesterday. Anyway, another year gone. I wonder, how long till I die? Anyway, go home. We decided to meet tonight. Be right on time." (Harry)
He just made a shoo-shoo gesture with his hands. Bruce and Henry left with us.
"He has a unique personality." (Noe)
"I think he calmed down. It was worse before." (Henry)
"How do you two know him? He is quite older than you two."
"Ah…he was an acquaintance of our parents. We knew him since our childhood. And he was also transported with us." (Bruce)
"Why did you think that he was cosplaying?" (Noe)
"The last time we saw him, he still could see. And he was quite rich. Why exactly did he do that?" (Henry)
"I don't know. But we do owe him a lot. He is the one who took most of our punishments. We all were to receive severe punishments. But he negotiated with the goddess and we were given small punishments. He got the rest. Four people worth of divine punishment." (Bruce)
"Bruce, are you saying that he is the reason you all got off easy?"
"Yes. Harry was in no condition to take such punishments. And yet he did it for us. He helped us escape. He made sure that Ruby stays alive. In short, we all owe our lives to him." (Bruce)
Who would have thought that blind man is our benefactor? I guess we need to show our gratitude to him.
After exiting the alley, we went home. We saw Henry drive a car as he went. So he owns a car. Bruce dressed up and told me a few things.
"I might be a little late. You can go to sleep before me." (Bruce)
"But how late? Where are you going to drink?"
"It's closer than you think. Just across the road in the alley. A van which serves a few snacks with drinks." (Bruce)
"Still, that Harry guy, why were you so shocked to find out he was blind?"
"Well, he could see and all. Also, he was well off. I won't imagine him falling into misfortune that he has live on the streets. Besides, he owes us an explanation. He took on our punishments but why?" (Bruce)
"I see. Be careful not to drink too much. How is David going to come in his condition?"
"That man is like a cockroach. He won't die so easily. And now, I am off."
He put his hand on my head and brushed my hair. Then left with a smile on his face.
Three to four hours have passed. I am still awake. It past midnight. He still isn't home. But I received a phone call. It's from Bruce.
"Bruce, where are you?"
(Is it the wifey of Bruce? This is Harry speaking. Can you kindly come? I have my hands full with three drunks.)
I hang up and leave to collect him. I especially warned to not drink too much. He said that it was just across the road in an alley.
I am arrive at a van after 4 minutes which look like what he said.
I see 4 people seated on a bench with three of them leaning against each other.
The blind man is holding them. When I approached him, he looked my way.
"Ahh…you are here. Thanks. I can take care of all of them. I have called Henry's girlfriend as well. She is on her way. But I need to take David home myself. Because his daughter can't come. Ah….Henry's girlfriend is here as well." (Harry)
And Harry stood up supporting David with his shoulder. Henry stood up but looks a bit different.
"Sorry for letting you see him in this sorry state."
It was Henry's body but the voice was like Noe. I see. She possessed him.
I support Bruce. Then we all part our ways. Harry started walking while supporting David. But how can a blind man take a drunk man home?
My husband's acquaintances are very unique to say the least.