Nightwatch

In the ten plus years I've been working at the place I work, I've only met the person who comes to clean my office at night one time. Even though I work late often and have an erratic schedule, that person's path and my path cross that rarely. The one time I did meet the lovely lady, years ago, it was right after my son was born. She commented on all the pretty photos of him covering so much of the space in my office.

That was in a different office, two buildings ago and it was years ago. I'm certain that it is a different person who cleans my office now. These days I have a couch, mini fridge, microwave, and snacks. Basically most of the comforts of home. We think that the evening custodian may sometimes make himself at home here in the midnight hour. Once we found something left on the copier advertising an event at a nearby church for something that looked to be festive and diverse in nature. One other time he left something on the copier about accessing social services in the area. Sometimes it seems that maybe he's lingered...never in an inappropriate way. More in a tired person's way.

Honestly. He must have a long night when he works in the lonely halls cleaning up the debris from the bustling day. The pay is low and I'm guessing the time spent here is time spent away from a family. If we have a soft place for him to rest for a minute while he dreams of better situations, or studies for a class, or searches for resources for his family, then I'm OK with that. He is working an honest job, maybe more than one job. He does well by us and I am glad we can always provide a comfort for him with our space and resources without fear of "discovery".