Project 365: Cluck Cluck

My first job was at KFC, working as a hostess. I don't remember how much money I made, but it wasn't very much. I had just graduated from high school and was excited by the thought of making my very own money.

They issued me the standard uniform of red shirt, navy pants and visor emplazoned with the Colonel's image.

I worked the counter and the drive thru. Then, they changed managers. My title of hostess was going to be taken to a whole new level.

They changed my uniform to this:



My mission was to greet everyone that entered the restaurant or went through the drive thru. Yes, I was supposed to approach strangers in their car as they placed an order at the drive thru to wave and entertain.

One old man, who was a regular, always needed help walking to and from his car. He would show up for dinner each night, in the early evening, and I took him under my wing (pun intended). I would meet him at his car and walk him to the door, make sure he was settled and then go about my horridly humiliating tasks. When I saw that he was finished I'd walk him to his car again. He would tell me stories about his late wife, his kids or grandkids or just life as it was, as it is or how he wished it would be. He was intelligent and funny. I, keeping with the rules, never uttered a word in reply. A nod or a shaking laugh would be enough to encourage him and validate his feelings.

Each day I worked, it was the same routine.

On the day that I informed my managers that I had found another job (as a Carnie at the Arizona State Fair! I was moving up! right?) I saw him arrive. I went to his car and helped him to the door. He stared at me the entire way.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"What? Oh, no." he blushed.

We went about our routine as usual, except I was in the standard KFC uniform as my replacement was actively pissing off a car full of high school students in the drive thru.

When he had finished, I walked him to his car.

"This is my last day here, so I won't be seeing you after this. I have a new job." I explained as I said my goodbye.

"Well dear, I will miss you very much. Though, as strong as you are I had no idea you were a girl and so pretty! If I had known that, I would have needed a LOT more help." he winked, a saucy smile on his lips.

He fumbled in his wallet and pulled out the solitary $20 bill inside. He offered it as a tip.

"Thank you, it has been my pleasure to see you each day. I enjoyed our little walks and the words you have shared with me. I hope that you keep coming here and find someone new to talk with, now put this back in your wallet before you lose it!" I handed the tip back to him with a hug. "Take care of yourself and don't get into too much trouble! And, the new chicken is a guy, so don't get any ideas."

We both laughed, he got in his car and drove away. That was the last time I saw him, or the inside of that KFC chicken suit. I have wondered over the years what happened to him, I don't remember his name, and am sure he has passed on by now, but he was a very nice man.