12 – This Gift, This Curse

 

"We could just walk around the college looking for him—or her," Mick said, as he and Will discussed how to find the young man in question.

 

Will paused long enough to say "Thank you" to a guy who had handed him a dollar before replying to Mick. "We'd be kicked out by security two minutes after we stepped on the campus grounds."

 

"Okay, but they can't do anything about us staying across the street. He and the girl have to leave sometime, unless they live in the dorms. Even then, they wouldn't spend twenty-four/seven there. We know that for a fact."

 

"True enough."

 

"We might even make some cash at the same time. Those kids are always do-gooders."

 

Will chuckled. "Most of those 'kids', as you put it, are probably as poor as we are when it comes to having ready money. It's a city college, not some fancy university. They're either there on scholarships, or work, or both."

 

"Not all of them," Mick protested.

 

"Okay, not all of them but a fair percentage. Still, there's no harm in trying and it gives us a reason to be hanging around there. So put on your walking shoes, we've got a fair hike ahead of us."

 

Mick looked at his very battered boots and laughed. "These are my walking shoes. Walking, running, sleeping, you name it. It's all I got."

 

"Maybe we can remedy that on our way and stop at the drop-in place. We'll pass it before we get to the campus and you need a new pair—and a warmer jacket."

 

"Okay." Mick got up, waiting for Will to join him. "I wish they'd let you get stuff there too."

 

Will shrugged as they started walking. "Maybe next reincarnation, when I come back at your age. Right now I don't pass as a teenager."

 

"If we get lucky by the campus, and I mean with handouts, we could stop by the Goodwill. You're not exactly overdressed yourself."

 

"What? You don't like my attempts at sartorial splendor?"

 

Mick snorted. "I've seen better junk in some of the dumpsters we've hit up."

 

Will fingered his jeans. "Where do you think these came from?"

 

"I know where they came from. I was with you, remember? Those and a couple of shirts. But you still need…"

 

"Okay, okay. If we make a few extra bucks, I'll consider it."