Dan called out.
When Dina found she could finally move, she was at Dan’s side at the window.
Muriel came rushing out of the back. “What happened?” she asked, seeing the crowd gathered in the street.
“That young man was crossing the street when a car ran a red light,” Dan explained.
“Almost hit a couple of other cars and it looked like it was going to hit...”
“Eli,” Dina said softly.
“The car was headed straight for him, then…” Dan faltered, searching for the words. “It was like he was lifted up and just flew over the car!”
“It’s a miracle,” Dina whispered.
They watched as Yusuf helped Eli across the street and into the shop.
“I’ll call 911!” Muriel ran for the phone.
“No, I’m ok,” Eli slumped into a chair across from Dan. “I’m not hurt.”
“You’re in shock,” Muriel told him.
Eli shook his head, his big, dark hair bouncing gently. “I don’t really remember what happened except for, like, flying over the car and then I landed, but really softly.”
“I saw it,” Eli confirmed. “It was like someone set you down.”
“Yeah well, that soft landing, sure tore up your jacket,” Muriel pointed to a huge rip, though there was no visible scratches or bumps on Eli himself.
“Ah man, I like this jacket,” Eli said, examining the hole. Then he opened his eyes wide, asking
“What happened to my board?”
“Sorry, the car ran over it,” Yusuf told him.
Eli’s face fell. “And I lost my coffee too.”
“I’ll get you a cup of chamomile tea,” Dina said. “It’ll help calm you down.”
“Ok,” Eli readily agreed. “Could I have a blueberry muffin too?
“It’s on the house,” Muriel said.
Eli smiled, “Hey, again!”
They heard the sound of sirens and then a police car pulled up outside. Two officers entered the shop, one announcing, “We got a call about a hit and run.”
At home that night, Dina related the tale to her family.
“Eli’s ok?” Gustavo asked, worry lines furrowing his little brow.
Dina touched his cheek, “Yes, sweetie. It’s the strangest thing. He doesn’t have health insurance so he didn’t want to go to the hospital. But, Dan insisted and took him to the free clinic to get checked out and there wasn’t a bruise on him.”
“Wow!” Kazu exclaimed. “He must be a really good skater!”
“Well, his skateboard got run over,” Dina said sadly. “And that’s his mode of transportation. Yusuf’s taking up a collection for him. Skateboards are surprisingly expensive.”
“Can I help?” Gustavo asked.
“I think that would be really nice, pal.” Julio winked at his son.
“Me too!” Kazu shouted.
Both boys ran to their room and back, Kazu waving a dollar that he gave to his mother.
Gustavo held out his piggy bank.
“All of this, Gus?” Dina asked, taking the bank filled with coins.
Gus beamed. “For Eli!”
By Monday, Yusuf had collected enough for a new skateboard for Eli.
To be continued December 11...
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