The Other Side of Tomorrow

“I sense a strong male presence,” he hums. “A warrior. Your protector. Two souls written in the stars destined to cross paths. A tale foretold since the beginning of time, waiting for the right souls to enter this world.”

I look up at Jasper and shrug. “This is Julio,” I say, like this explains everything. Which it kind of does because Julio is one of a kind.

“I’m Jasper,” Jasper introduces himself.

“Jasper,” Julio muses. “Jasper and Willa.” He clucks his tongue. “I have something for the two of you.” He shuffles behind a counter and bends, pulling out a basket. He grabs several items, feeling them until finally he holds them out to us.

“For my friends,” he says, and we each take a green leather bracelet. It’s braided and smooth.

“Let me pay for these,” Jasper says, pulling out his wallet.

“No, no.” Julio waves him away. “I cannot charge friends. Friends are family and family does not pay Julio.”

“Julio …,” I begin, and he tilts his head. “This is green, and green is the color of kidney disease awareness.”

“Julio knows,” he answers with a gummy smile, the smell of pot clinging to his skin.

“But … how? You can’t … um … see.”

“I don’t need my eyes to see, Ms. Willa. Only my heart.” He touches his chest.

“You’re amazing,” I whisper.

“I’m not any more remarkable than the next person,” he argues. “I happen to be more aware of my surroundings. I sense things. Most people have their noses buried in their phones. I don’t have that so I see even if I can’t.”

“I’ve missed hanging out with you, Julio.”

He chuckles. “Why would you miss an old man like me?”

“You’re not old,” I argue.

“Oh, I am,” he declares. “My spirit is young, but my shell is old.”

“Well,” I reason, “the spirit is the most important part.”

“You have a point, Ms. Willa.”

“We better get going,” I say. “Give me a hug before I leave.”

He chuckles and gives me a hug. “Come back now. Don’t forget about me.”

“Never.” I smile.

“It was nice to meet you,” Jasper tells him.

Julio’s face suddenly grows serious. “Young man, remember anger is a fleeting emotion, but love? Love is forever. And forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give not only yourself, but the one you love as well.”

“Um … thanks,” Jasper gives me a quizzical look and I shrug in response.

We leave, the door squeaking shut behind us.

“That was ... uh … interesting,” he supplies.

“That’s Julio. He’s one of a kind.”

“That’s one way of putting it.” He takes my hand and we walk along the boardwalk. It’s the weekend so it’s busy. Normally, that would bother me, but with Jasper I don’t mind. “What do you want to do first?” he asks.

My eyes get wide and I grin from ear to ear. “Ice cream.”