La Huesera
The old woman moved slowly, muttering as she pushed her small wheeled basket ahead of her. Head down, back bent, she seemed to be trying to melt into the scenery.
But I was there on purpose, looking for those who were normally invisible, my own cart filled to the brim with bags of food and water; and bags with toiletries — like soap and a washcloth.
I smiled and said “good morning” to her, and she started, looking up at me as if to say ‘were you talking to me?’ and I nodded at my cart and added “would you like a lunch? Or some toiletries?”.
She eyed me suspiciously for a moment, before whispering “Yes, to both, if that’s okay”. And I happily handed over a bag with food and water, and a bag of toiletries. She placed them in her wire cart on top of bundles of clothing and some bleached white bones. I asked if she would like an extra bag of food, for later.
“No, but there are some folks down by the mill who are hungry and could use some of those toiletries, too.” She started to walk away, and then turned to me again and added “Thank you, a blessing on you.”
I went to the mill, and distributed the remaining foods and toiletries to the grateful folks who had gathered there. One asked how I knew they were there, and I told them about the old woman. A hush surprised me as the people looked at each other with wide eyes. I waited to see if they would explain, but no explanation came until I had turned to leave…one older gentleman walked along with me and…
