People don’t change, he said. They stay primarily the same. Not growing, stagnant. You’d think we’d get better as we get older, see life differently with each year,but that’s not the way it is, he lit a cigarette, sat at the counter as the waitress poured a cup of coffee. We grow up wanting things, but we settle. Never taking that step forward. Just staying what we are.

And what’s that? she asked.

I’m sorry.

Said, what’s that?

A lot of things. Lots of different kinds of people. There’s those who take advantage of others, of situations. And there’s those who don’t. Mean people, spiteful. Folks gentle as a lamb. It all starts in childhood. Getting picked last at recess for dodge ball. The bully who wise-cracks and beats kids up. Criminals and cops. That’s what becomes of them, he munched on toast.

Where does that put you and me? she leaned on the counter, looked at the clock. We’ve always been the same? the clock said three. No cars in the parking lot. Just them and a Mexican in the back. No growth? That’s sad, she lit a cigarette. They say when you’re baptized, you change. Preachers say you come up from the water and you’re different; filled with the Holy Spirit.

And then what happens? she shook her head. We go back to our old ways. A cheater will always cheat. A thief will always steal. Sure, we’re pure and clean for a short time. But eventually, our true nature comes out. Lying, cheating, insecurities.

That’s a negative way to look at the world, the redhead smirked.

I suppose. Part of my charm, they both laughed.

You want some pie?

Sure.