Liberty's Sparkle (2)

   
   "Liberty's Sparkle (2)"
   
   In her severely dented hybrid, the last thing her father gave to her before passing, Liberty cruised through her Midwestern environment, until out in the grasslands of it all.  Her humble, and a bit scummy apartment complex standing due to determination--it was a constant struggle, even for the building to stay erect with a straight spine.  As Liberty parked her car, she noticed Mr. McQuade with his hunchback status, struggling along to the little shack next to the apartments, where he meekly resided, like a broken monk.  She turned off the car, got out, swept her dirty-blonde up into a rubber band ponytail, and put a smile on her face, engaging Mr. McQuade in conversation.
  
LIBERTY
Hiya Mr. McQuade--how are you today?
  
MR. MCQUADE
Doing dandy young lady.  You found love yet?

LIBERTY
Love, a mystery, right?

MR. MCQUADE
No, don't sing a song like that.  I was married for 52 years before becoming a professional gimp and certified old man.  He got a sudden look of pain on his face, grabbing his back.

LIBERTY
You okay?

MR. MCQUADE
Just my scoliosis acting up and all the rest that goes along with a curved vertebrae. Don't ponder I'll be here much longer; plus, no money to pay the doctors, for I can't afford none of that.  Then, he willed himself to smile, took a Crucifix off from around his neck, and handed it to Liberty, her unconsciously taking it, but not in a greedy manner.  To her, it appeared like fool's gold with fake diamonds on the wounds of Christ.

LIBERTY
Thank you.  I just don't know what to say.  Nobody gives me anything in life but shit, ya know.

MR. MCQUADE
I've always wanted you to have it Liberty.  So alone you are.  So sad behind that lip gloss smile.  I can see it; I can sense it.  Lift your chin up honey--poverty gets you in touch with spirits and nature.
  
   Liberty burst out crying.  Mr. McQuade embraced her with his skeletal frame.  Life made easy by a hug from an old bird, yet wings still flapping, and so divine.