[Spectrum R3] 11. The Pie Man - Hojin

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The Pie Man

 

Joseph Fellini waited for the light to change. Even early in the morning, Central Park South was busy and noisy. He knew that just across the street in the park, it would be quiet and pleasant. Some things don’t change, he thought with a sigh.

 

When Joseph was a young man, people didn’t realize how important it was to go to college. All that Joseph had wanted at age 17 was to get a job to help make sure he and his parents had food to eat. Food was what steered him to the bakery, he figured. It always smelled so good. He walked three blocks out of his way on the way home from high school just to smell it. Then, one May day, there was a sign on the door.

 

Right after he graduated, Joseph became Mr. Fellini, the “Pie Man.” His work day started at 5 A.M. The bakers had already been at work for hours, putting together apple, cherry, peach, chocolate custard, banana cream, and all kinds of other pies. When Joseph arrived, the pies were in boxes and lined up on trays, ready for him to put into his truck. Joseph had always loved the smell of all those fresh pies, mingled and warm in the back of his truck. He never tired of that smell, even after 53 years on the job.

 

When Joseph was out in his truck, he felt important. The people who worked at the restaurants where he delivered the pies were always glad to see him. Out in traffic, people would sometimes make way for the Pie Man. They knew he had special cargo that needed to be delivered safe and fresh.

 

As Joseph strolled along Central Park West, he saw a pie truck. The young man at the wheel was beeping his horn impatiently. Ah, thought Joseph, slow down. You still have 52 years to go.