Long nights and gloom filled days were no detriment to Sam. He was on a mission. A very familiar one. He was on his way to find something to eat. A plight that he confronted every day. It was never easy, but he had to admit that it had, over time, become easier. He had acquired a network of friends (acquaintances) that would try to give him some food when possible. Sam in return, would attempt to further secure their relationship.

Sam, whose mother was homeless when he was born, grew up on the streets. It was all he knew. His mom died when he was very young, leaving him as the oldest of two siblings, a brother and a sister who looked to him for help and direction. As such, Sam looked for places that would provide them protection while he was gone. Out of the mainstream. Tucked back in the darkness of doorways and alleys. He had never had the luxury of a home.

So far today was not starting out well. Many of the homeless around him could be aggressive and this morning was no exception. Life on the streets was very territorial. He had to be very careful where he went. Panhandling at the wrong restaurant could lead to violent confrontation. The effort to survive was paramount and tempers quickly flared. Sam knew this instinctively and practiced caution.

Sam’s favorite place to beg for food was a fast food restaurant whose employees would kind of look for him and slip food out the back door. Sam had had confrontations here as well but, had appeared to establish his territory. Usually, this was a food oasis where the could not only eat, but save enough food to bring something to his brother and sister.

As the day wore on, Sam worked the same areas as he often did. Trying to encourage passerby’s to recognize him and, perhaps, speak to him. He loved that. When the average person walking by tried to ignore him, a few, very few, would recognize him, and that, in a way, gave him the confidence to carry on.

As the day began to exit into the evening, Sam again began to find his way home. At least the home he would occupy tonight. That place where his siblings awaited his return, looking for the security he provided. As he picked his way down the sidewalk, giving wide berth of those that lived on the street without regard for their safety, or prolonged health. he slowly returned to the location he had chosen. His brother and sister, as always, were happy to see him, and he them.

As the sun set, the trio curled up together, providing the warmth and security they all craved. Sam happy that he was able to sustain his family for another day. The kittens, however, were just happy he was home.