"AT&T, Customer Service Department. Hello, My name is Zed. It would be my pleasure to assist you today. Whom am I speaking with and how can I help you?" For the hundredth time that day, he had said those words and for the hundredth time that day he hadn't really meant it. Saying those words paid the bills while Zed tried to get his photography business off the ground. Saying those words kept him from starving. And in response to those words, he had been yelled at, cursed at, and even hung up on numerous times just that day.
Zed braced himself for the onslaught when he heard a gentle voice say, "Hi. My name is Livy. How can you help me? Well lets see. You could rake the leaves in my yard. You could help me find an extra fifty dollars a month to cover the rent increase. You could take me to a hockey game. You could send me flowers. You could massage my tired feet. But I will settle for your simply helping me get my phone line restored."
Zed was momentarily speechless. There was something about her voice. He heard a frailness yet a strength. There was seriousness yet humor. She was at the end of the rope yet had hope. For the first time that day, he meant the words. Zed did want to help her. It would be his pleasure. And if he had anything to do with it, he would help her with more than just getting her phone line restored.
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