Fear sat on the old pine bench, looking out at the brown Delta field as he drank his diet soda. Customers buzzed as they discussed the morning’s news and drank their coffee. Old men sat in the corner, discussing the world’s problems and proposing solutions on how to solve them. The sun peeked over the budding trees on the horizon, illuminating the table. Fear doom scrolled Twitter as a smirk crossed his face.
“#Winning,” he chuckled.
“You wish.” Hope announced his arrival as he pulled out the bench across from Fear.
“Prove me wrong, Hope. You’re losing. I am in control. Look at this if you have any doubts!” Fear held up his phone.
Hope put on his bifocals and grimaced.
Fear continued, “I have the politicians in my pocket. They know my way is the best way to get elected. Scare them and you get this.” Fear waved his hand across the table and gold coins appeared. “All they have to do is divide and scare. The people will scurry to the polls.”
Hope didn’t have much an arguement. “Hope and change” seemed as antiquated as “United we stand.”
“What do you have to say about that?” Fear challenged. “Give me one speck of proof that you’ll prevail and I’ll buy breakfast.”
Hope looked out at the distant field and got an idea. He smiled and said, “Look down at your feet.”
Fear looked down and as Hope waved his finger, the concrete cracked open. Through the crack, a small plant burst through.
It then flowered.
Hope smiled and said, “My friend, as long as there is life, there will be hope. And life will always find a way.”
The server came up to take their order. Hope, looking at the menu, said, “I’ll take two eggs, scrambled, biscuits and extra bacon. He’s paying.”