Writing for Fun
April 2017
Pennies From Heaven - Anna Browning
The copper penny lay in the road, glowing brightly after the cloudburst, it's surface sparkling with raindrops, just asking to be picked up. A beggar stumbled by, paused then shuffled back, stooped and stared down at the penny, muttered something to himself, then picked it up and placed it in his pocket. He continued shuffling down the road until he arrived at a cafe nearby. He went in and approached the young woman behind the counter. 'Can I have a cup of tea, Missy,' offering the bright copper penny as payment.
She looked at the penny. 'That's not enough for a cup of tea mate, but never mind you can have one anyway. Tea is on the house. He muttered his thanks and added, 'That's a lucky payment you know.'
Julie stared at the bright penny for a moment and set it aside instead of placing it in the till. She thought to herself, 'I could do with some luck myself, perhaps a new man?' She laughed to herself. 'You silly girl, when are you going to grow up, Julie, decent men are few and far between.'
Julie carried on with her tasks, clearing the cutlery and wiping down the counter. A shadow moved across her face. She looked up and saw a tall fair headed man standing in front her. He stared down into her eyes, which seemed like forever. Then asked her for a coffee. His deep, rasping voice, sending a shiver down her spine. Wow, he's a hunk, she thought to herself. Julie got herself busy with preparing his coffee. He sat himself down at the counter, watching her pour out the coffee. 'Hi, I'm Mike,' he introduced himself, 'have you been working here long? It's just I haven't seen you before. Maisie was always here. But I have been away for a while.'
'Yes I am new here. I'm Julie and I have just taken over the tenancy as Maisie as retired. I hope to succeed with the business. The cafe is in a good position, being by the sea. Julie smiled back at Mike.
'I'm sure you will succeed, I will certainly be your best customer, now that I have met you.' His blue eyes twinkling down at her. Julie felt a connection and suddenly felt her life uplifted, making her feel good. Feeling flustered, she moved on to her next customer. A middle-aged couple, with sad faces. They asked for tea and because they looked so miserable, Julie included the penny to their change as she handed it to them. She wished the penny would bring them luck to erase their sadness. The couple sat down at one of the gingham check covered tables, and sipped their teas staring at each other in silence. Then the woman leaned forward and stated, 'Bob I don't think I will be able to cope with the outcome if it's cancer. I'm not a strong person.' 'Don't worry Sue, I'm sure it won't be that bad, but it was best to have it checked out anyway. Besides Sue, you've got me. I will always be there for you.' She hugged him close to her, resting her head on his shoulder. They then finished their tea and headed off to their destination, the hospital Oncology Unit.
They sat in the consulting room, anxiously waiting for the consultant to address them, but they felt comforted by his kind smile as he looked at them. He told her that the tumour was benign. Sue clutched his hand in gratitude, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. The couple left the room in a cloud of happiness. The future suddenly looked hopeful. The copper penny burning bright in Sue's purse, trembled in anticipation for the next person. 'Pennies from heaven.' Lucky for some.