100 Words about mercy

Bart’s face betrayed a fear of death. His watery eyes were open wide – to admit all the light possible – and locked into mine, imploring. No pride remained.

My boss said, “NO! It’ll be booze in 5 minutes.”

He’d said he’d fire me on the spot. He thought he was showing Bart “tough love” and giving me an excuse to refuse him.

I looked at both of them.

I put my last twenty in Bart’s hand and said, quietly, leading him to the door, “I can’t do this again, understand?”

Head down, he nodded, and the door closed with a click.