Everyone who knows me thinks I'm a happy man—or a boy, like they call me—but they're wrong. I'm not happy, but I'm not sad either. I'm a simple person. I love people, except for my parents. I have hope for tomorrow.
My smile is beautiful, so I don't hide it. My health is good, so I'm not lazy at work. And death is one, so I'm not afraid of anything.
My father kicked me out when I was fifteen because I was gay. He prevented anyone in our town from helping me, so I had to go somewhere big, where no one knew me and I could find a job. New York was the best choice.
The first months were very hard. I slept on the street and ate only dinner, until I found a shelter. Everyone who worked there loved me, and the homeless people there hated me—for the same reason: my smile.
The people who loved me took my smile as a thank-you. Those who hated me thought my smile disrespected their suffering. They forgot that I was in the same situation. I refused to let my circumstances change my personality or kill the hope inside me.
And that hope—and that smile—helped me meet someone who became like the sun in my life.
I was walking in the park when I saw a young woman crying. I couldn't resist. I went to her without any preamble.
"Do you want a hug? If you want one, it's completely your choice. A half hour of crying will cost you fifteen dollars. But if you want a kiss, I'm sorry—I don't kiss people with boobs."
She stared at me.
"Hi… it's sunny?"
"No, there's black clouds and it's raining."
"Hahaha. No, my name is Sunny. You have a beautiful smile—don't hide it."
"My name is Gizelle. And thank you. Are the hugs still available, or are they sold out?"
"There's a lot of demand, but priority goes to our loyal customers."
"Are you sure about the kiss?"
"Unfortunately, I'm straight as a spiral."
"My bad luck. You're so handsome—you make my ex look like a snail. But I need a friend more. Do you want to be my friend?"
"I should be the one asking if you want to be friends with a homeless gay guy."
"Oh, I'm sorry you're in this situation. But I'd love to be your friend. Maybe you could stay with me and my father."
"Gizelle, the first rule of friendship is accepting your friend as he is. So no. But you can tell me why you were crying."
"My boyfriend cheated on me with a blonde girl. He said in front of our friends that I'm ugly and I'll never find a man."
"First, he's blind. You're beautiful. If I were straight, I'd be honored to love you. I'm gay, and I still couldn't resist being close to you—even just as a friend. Second… do you think I'm more handsome than your boyfriend?"
"You two are like the prince and the frog. And without even asking—you're the prince."
"So what do you think about this: next time you go out with your fake friends, I'll be your fake boyfriend."
"How did you know they're fake?"
"Because, Jiji, if they were real friends, you wouldn't be this sad after hearing your ex call you ugly. They'd be here with you—not some homeless guy."
"Thank you so much. I'll be the best friend you ever have, Susu."
"Oh, I don't like this new name."
"You'll survive. It's my job as your bestie to give you the worst nickname."
"Okay, okay. I should go. Do you want to meet here tomorrow at the same time?"
"Yes, of course."
And that became our routine for the last year.
Today is my birthday, and it was also my first day at work. It's a café in a classy area, where the tips are high. That will help me pay the rent for the apartment Gizelle and I are going to share.
I hope I can keep my job with my attitude. Thank God that gentleman didn't tell my boss about my behavior. I was stupid, but I swear I wasn't making fun of him. How could I make fun of a god? He's so handsome and classy. He makes me nervous.
I hope it's the last time I see him—but how? My boss told me I have to prepare his coffee every day at the same time.
It's creepy, but it's not my problem. My only problem is that he won't tell anyone what happened, and that I have to shut my mouth.
I'm very happy. After three years in the shelter, I'm finally moving into my own place. Living in my own apartment feels like heaven.
I was lost in my thoughts when my phone rang. It was Danny, my coworker from the restaurant.
"Hello, Danny. How are you? It's been a while since we talked."
"Yeah, sorry, buddy. I have some family issues, and I need your help."
"How can I help? Do you need money?"
"Sunny, I told you before—don't offer money to people. You need it. Are you going to give away everything and go back to the shelter? Stop being so nice. People will use you."
"Are we best friends?" I asked. He always takes care of me, but he never wants to hang out, so I'm never sure.
"I don't know. I don't believe in friendship."
"Okay."
"Okay, listen—you distracted me. I have to go to California. My family needs me for a month, and I don't want to quit. Can you take my shifts for that month?"
"Yes, I can. Did you ask the manager?"
"Yes, but you have to start tonight. I'm already at the airport."
"I'll be there on time. If you need anything, call me."
"Thanks."
Now I can pay the first month's rent and the security deposit. I need to take a shower—it's almost time for Danny's shift to start at seven.
Thank you, my God, for this opportunity. I will be grateful and happy for everything you give me.