In the town where Max lives, there is a great charity shop. People bring in clothes, toys, shoes and kitchen stuff, and anyone can take up to twelve items free per trip. No one is charged anything for the things, most of which seem new and in good condition. One reason why the shop is so full of good stuff is that the college students do not want to take things back home at the end of the third term, so they drop things off at the Free Shop.
Max needed a pair of boots. The winter was hard, as we all know, even in the southern states. His boots were full of holes. James needed some jeans and a hat. His team is the Texas Rangers, as he wanted to find a "T" hat. So, the two walked to the Free Shop. Only three ladies, besides the shop keeper, were there. One was a middle-aged lady who has ten cats and always talks to Max. Her name is Mary and she was in the diplomatic core for years. She loves coming to the Free Shop.
The second lady was Maggie, who is so old no one can tell how old she is. Her husband is dead and her three children are all dead. She lives in housing provided by the state. James went over to talk to Maggie about Mike, who Maggie knew. In fact, Maggie knew Mike's dad.
"The widow-maker is what that is called. Mike's dad died in minutes. It is hereditary." Maggie moved on to the shelves where the glasses were lined up. "Mike's dad died at work. Poor Mike did not have a chance."
James walked back to where Max was trying on boots. "I just do not get it. I still can't believe Mike is dead."
Max did not say anything. He just looked at his feet. He noticed he needed new socks as well. Might as well get them here.
A third lady in the shop came over to James. "Hi, James, did you hear about Mike?" Max wanted to ask Linda not to talk about Mike, but it was too late. "I saw him just last week. You know, he was an atheist and never went to church." Linda went to the Lutheran church on the corner. There were six churches in ....ville. One was Catholic, one Lutheran, one Methodist, one Latter Day Saints, one labeled the "Native American Church for Christ", and one "New Church in Christ". Linda somehow knew that Mike was an atheist. James knew that as well. So did Max.....
Linda turned to look at the handbags. James came back to where Max was sitting. "Man, I just do not understand why Mike had to die like that. All by himself, so suddenly."
Max looked at his new boots. It was not the right time to talk to James about God again. Not yet....
