While leaving work yesterday, I was happy to see The Rooster again walking down 12th street. He was still only walking about 0.001 miles an hour, and had replaced his walker with a cane. After snapping the first photo, I decide to turn around and pull over to go talk to him.
It was raining, and Rooster was heading for shelter. He seemed well spirited, but wasn't keen on getting wet from the rain. I asked if he was doing okay. He said that he had broken his hip and had somewhere around 27 stitches. Then Rooster asked me if I could give him a ride. I'll admit I was a little reserved at this question, being that I have heard The Rooster had some foul body odor. But at the same time, it was raining outside and he wasn't moving to fast with that broken hip. I told him to wait there for a moment while I ran to grab my car.
When I returned, The Rooster had materialized a cigarette butt from thin air (or the ground). I told him to toss it away, and that I had a fresh one for him that he could have. With a healing hip Rooster struggled a little to get into my truck, but I helped him along. After the door had shut I started to prepare myself for whatever aroma that might be resonating from him. But honestly, the only thing I could smell was the cigarette that he had just puffed on before hoping in.
Take a look at the picture above. One thing I noticed is that Rooster was a lot more cleaned up. Plus, his clothes seemed to have been freshly washed. He asked if he could have that cigarette I promised him. We chatted a little about where I work, and he mention that he comes in often. I don't think that he recognized me as the guy whose been posting picture and videos of him all over the internet. He also didn't notice that I was taking a picture of him while driving.
I only drove Rooster up the street a few blocks. He said he was good to go, and that the place of business that we were at had his truck and trailer. He thanked me, and I told him it was not problem at all. I told him to be careful and take care. He said that the old Rooster would be back to kickin' ass in short time. I believe him.
After I dropped Rooster off, I realize that there was something strangely different about him this time than the previous times I had encountered him. Looking back at the pictures, especially looking into his eyes, I notice that the tenacity and ferocity that normally resides in The Rooster is missing. The Rooster is wounded, perhaps even stung.
I suspect I know where The Rooster has been residing for the last few weeks. Not too far down the street from where I first saw him is the jail. Well, at least he was able to shower up and hopefully was able to get a bit to eat.
I am sure that The Rooster will return, and in full health. From the guy who inspired the novel First Blood and after fending of Satan at the cross roads, I expect nothing less.
