There was a gas station, a block down from the party house. He was far from home, I definitely was far from home. As I walked out of the convenience store, he asked me for money. He just wanted to get back home. Feeling generous, I didn’t offer him money, but a ride. Asked if he wanted to hang out for the night.
He had to go home first. And that involved driving him to his apartment complex. Entering the third floor apartment, I noticed nothing but a single room. No separate doors, not a bathroom, nothing. In the corner sat a toilet and a shower. The area poorly covered by a curtain hanging from the ceiling. He went to get something from his dresser, then asked me “Have you ever heard of a jack?”…I will not answer how I responded. But he left, and came back after about 10 minutes.
We left his apartment, and proceeded to head back to the college house. Down by the gas station. I wanted to get him away from his normal environment, show him that others would respect him just how he is. No need for nonsense or toughness.
I think he enjoyed himself, hanging out that night. Playing pool.
As I dropped him off, he thanked me. Told me that I might have motivated him to reconsider some of his preconceptions. And that made me smile.