The Cliff Bar

I hadn't eaten much when I got to school after that ride on Friday, but I thought I might have time to eat a grapefruit between classes. I knew that it would only sharpen my appetite and would not hold me over very long. So I was waiting until I really needed to eat or else I would not be able to focus on what I needed to learn. I was walking out of Chemistry when I saw Monty, a classmate.

“hey,” he said, as we were about to go different ways, “is that a grapefruit in your backpack?”

I wasn't about to lie about it, but I wasn't sure I wanted to draw attention to that fact either. “yeah, it is.” I answered.

“Wow, you're so cool”

“Why?”

“Most people don't go around with fruit in their backpacks. It's so cool to see other people doing it too. It seems like no one else does it. And grapefruit is one of my favorites.”

“Would you like it?” my mind started racing, I hadn't meant to say that.

“you're sure you wouldn't mind?”

“No, I have lots at home.”

“Thanks, is there anything I can trade with you?”

“No, you can just have it, I’ll get another at home later.”

“OK.” then Monty turned to leave with my breakfast. I had just decided that I didn't mind giving away my food when he turned back. “Hey, have you ever tried a Cliff bar?”

“No, what is a cliff bar?”

“It's an energy bar, you can get them at Apple Valley. Here, have this one.” He pulled one out of his backpack and handed it to me. I took it and Monty headed off to his next class.

I looked at the bar in my hand and was surprised. I didn't think I would get anything back. Now here, in my hands, I had something that would be even better for a meal than a single grapefruit. God had blessed me with breakfast and I would not have to starve until lunch, which I missed by the way and that bar held me over until I came home for supper.