Recovery

J. approached the microphone, prepared to address the day’s volunteers. A gray shirt, he had been a successful alumnus of the program. Stepping out of the shade he became blinded by the midday sun. Then, his spiel: the drive to California; living out of his car; totaling the car; becoming addicted to meth; bouncing around dens; hard sleeping; finding the center; starting the program. He thanked the founder of the program, and explained the job placement and apartment placement process. He was two years clean. The sunlight in his eyes prevented him from making eye contact with any of the volunteers, upper-middle-class office workers. He considered it a blessing that he could speak freely without judgment.

No. 082