Stavros – Paul Nicholas Boylan

When Stavros was in Seattle, he stopped for lunch at Roxy’s Diner on 36th Street.

As he sat down, he couldn’t help but notice a group of big men in dirty dark blue overalls eating at a table near the back of the diner. The men talked and laughed a little too loud, and every once in a while they would glance over at Stavros.

After Stavros gave his order to the waitress, the biggest of the bunch of guys called the waitress over to their table, pointed at Stavros and said something. The waitress looked over, smiled and nodded. As the waitress walked away, the man got up and walked over to where Stavros was sitting.

“What’s you’re name, soldier boy?” the man asked.

“Stavros.”

“I’m Joe. Me and the boys are grateful for all our men and women in uniform are doing for our country, so lunch is on us – courtesy of the Wave.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Stavros’ lunch arrived – a Rueben sandwich and sweet potato fries, and it was perfect. Before he left, Stavros walked over to the table of his benefactors.

“Thanks for springing for lunch, but what did you mean?”

“About what?” Joe asked.

“About lunch being courtesy of the Wave?”

Everyone at the table looked at each other and laughed. “The Wave has been very good to me and is proof that God loves me,” Joe said.

“Not just you, asshole,” one of the men said. “God loves janitors.”

“That’s right,” Joe continued. “Since the beginning, God has kept janitors employed. From the Flood to the Black Plague, from the mess on the floor of the Roman Coliseum to the ruins of the Library at Alexandria, Gods always made sure we had something to do. And now the Wave – creating the biggest mess in the history of the world. And who is getting rich because of it? Janitors like me and these guys. We all run salvage companies now, and business is good. It is an endless feast.”

“So you are saying that God did all of this, killed all of those people, burnt all those buildings, to give janitors work?”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. I hope you enjoyed your lunch.”