A large figure standing at about 6'4" seemingly appears out of thin air from behind the shadows as I fill up my car at the local 76' Station. I'm not scared, I've grown up in this neighborhood and know no harm will come to me. The man slowly approaches me and the moonlight hits him. He's wearing a large faded out leather jacket, a beanie that is too small for his own head, and faded Levi's. His face covered by a large brown beard to match the long dark hair. Although it is close to 12 degrees tonight the man wears no shoes or gloves. The man's mouth hardly moves at all but I can hear him clear as day as he says "Could I burden you for a moment?".
"Sure, how can I help you?"
"Is there anyway a strong, clearly wealthy young man like you could spare 10$?"
"Look sir, as much as I'd like to help, I need my money too. Plus, I'm from around these parts, how can I be sure if I gave you this money you wouldn't spend it on some rocks?"
He didn't move a muscle, he only simply repeated;
"Is there anyway you could spare 10$?"
After the second time I told him to get lost. I've had friends lose their livelihoods over some snow rocks. I can't be another contributing factor to this man's downward spiral.
He moves closer to me and begins speaking much louder;
"My son, temptation is something I've overcome a long time ago. All I want from you is one. single. 10$ bill. Nothing less. Nothing more."
I was fed up with him and simply said
"I don't have it." and got back into my car quickly.
As I begin to put the key in the ignition I look to see if he had even left or if he was willing to try something. I turn to my left and see that his clear blue eyes are staring directly at me. I was transfixed and couldn't break away. I suddenly felt a need to understand why he's clearly angry at me, for turning him down. There are plenty of other patrons here.
Although my windows were fully rolled up and the doors shut tight I could still hear the man as if he were right next to me.
"Have you read the bible? Specifically Exodus 14? 'A humble man is all that we ever need.' Now tell me boy, what is that money really worth to you."
I have no idea how to respond and feel a wave of guilt overcome me. I've never met a homeless person that is this persistent to get money from someone, they usually leave after you tell them no the first time and here is this man feeling guilty and selfish. Who am I kidding though being selfish is what got me where I am today.
"Look ya bum, I'm going to tell you like I tell every other bum, I need all of my money, down to the very last penny. And I recognize this type of begging, I know what you're really after. Call me insensitive and tell me that I lack empathy, I don't care."
He looked my me up and down
"Your potential is bittersweet."
"Every penny is mine to keep man, beat it already before I call the cops."
He sighs and looks around. Suddenly I'm aware we are the only two people in the parking lot, fear really starts to set in.
"Knowing the truth will set you free boy, you had your chance."
I'm now confused and scared, a deadly combination.
"You're look at the Messiah, the son of Jehovah, the higher power, the holy spirit, the nerve of Nazareth. What are you willing to sacrifice for those measly pennies?"
He doesn't give me a chance to answer and his voice begins booming
"Your spot in heaven that what those pennies meant to you. Embrace your loss my son, I am God."
As a preface yes this is loosely based off Kendrick Lamar's song How Much A Dollar Cost but has added elements.