GROFF MEDIA 2024© TRUTH ENDURES IMDBPRO
Presented by benandsteve.com By: Benjamin Groff II©s
Keeping Your Side of the Street Clean
The smell of fresh rain lingered as Mark walked down Elm Street toward his favorite café. It was his usual morning routine, a quiet moment before the day unraveled. He reached the entrance. Then he saw him—Greg Turner. Greg was leaning against a lamppost, arms crossed. He was watching him with a smirk that dripped with disdain.
Greg had never made it a secret that he disliked Mark. Their history goes back to a business deal gone wrong. Mark handled it ethically, but Greg saw it as a betrayal. Since then, Greg had made it his mission to smear Mark’s name. He spread rumors and whispered doubts into the ears of anyone who would listen.
Mark adjusted his posture, exhaled slowly, and kept walking. He knew better than to engage.
“Hey, Mark,”
Greg called out loud enough for people at the café’s outdoor tables to turn their heads.
“Still fooling people into thinking you’re the good guy?”
A few customers looked up from their coffee, eyes shifting between them, waiting for a response. Mark felt the moment’s weight pressing against his back, the temptation to defend himself bubbling under the surface.
But he had learned something long ago—some battles weren’t worth fighting. Not in the mud. Not at the expense of his peace.
He turned slightly, just enough to meet Greg’s gaze, and nodded.
“Good morning, Greg.”
His voice was even, void of malice, but firm. Then, without another word, he stepped inside the café.
The barista, Sarah, greeted him with a warm smile.
“The usual?”
Mark nodded as he took out his wallet.
“Yep. And maybe an extra shot of patience today.”
Sarah chuckled as she prepared his coffee.
“Don’t let him get to you.”
He shook his head.
“I won’t.”
Moments later, as he stirred his coffee, he glanced outside. Greg was still there, now talking to someone else, his hands animated, spinning another version of his tired tale. Mark took a sip, savoring the rich warmth of his drink, and let the moment pass.
There was no need to wade into the mess or wrestle with the bitterness that wasn’t his to carry. His conscience was clear. His integrity was intact.
He walked out of the café with his head high. His side of the street was clean. Mark was guilt-free and ready to face his day. He had not gotten down to Greg’s level; even better, he showed respect for doing so.
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