The Day I Kissed An Older Man

It was especially painful for Rita because her diligent efforts seemed to have been futile. The homeless man never even spared her a glance. As time passed, the number of reporters dwindled until only Rita remained.

She could manage her apprehensions in the daytime, but as night descended, a sense of unease settled upon her. Finally, she gritted her teeth and approached the homeless man once more.

"Would you care to share your story with me? As you've noticed, the other reporters have left. You don't have any other choice, even if I'm not a newbie," she pressed.

Wrapped in that tattered cotton jacket, the man seemed to shut himself out from the outside world and ignored Rita's presence. It would have been easier for Rita to get through to the interviewee if it was another person, but because people tended to badger him about his family's tragic demise, Rita did not dare to ask about it unless prompted.

She paced anxiously in circles and decided to move her things so she could sit opposite him. "I won't leave until you confide in me. Let's see who caves in first."

decision simply because she could not bear the thought of her earlier efforts going down the drain. Moreover, she sensed a glimmer of hope within her that perhaps

they were not alone in that space. Other homeless individuals were there too, and a very unsavory incident unfolded that night. A drunken hobo caught sight of Rita's fair complexion amid

wrapped

hiding in that blanket? Are you shy? Let me

she could not afford to act rashly because she was alone. The homeless man had been lurking there for days, and he considered it a stroke of luck that Rita happened to be the only person remaining. With the alcohol giving him a touch of misplaced confidence, he found the opportunity too good to

a little better? I might not be young anymore, but I sure can give a woman the lovin' she deserves. I promise you'll have a good

bring himself to utter something so lewd and repugnant. The audacity he had was shocking as if he was better than most people. Rita frowned and shifted away slightly

Let me have a look at that pretty face!" the man