Money in the street

[eilen]

There were 14 murky plastic bags near Wolf and North Salina streets May 29, a Friday. The trail started at the sewer grate, where one bag was wedged, and ended at a sandwich board sign advertising lap dance specials at Night Lights. But it wasn't garbage.

The bags were full of money: $328,000 in 14 bags. In the middle of the street. It was heaven-sent in a poor part of the city where jobs were scarce even before the economy tanked. To hold those bags full of hundred dollar bills was to hold possibility. To be forced to make a decision.


The antique store owner, the construction worker, the barber and the landscaper all held those bags and pressed them flat to see the money inside. They saw vacations, bills paid off, a chance for college, a few nice things.

Then they all made a choice.