Questions From The Laundromat

Whilst most of you are by now familiar with the fact that I bemoan going to the laundromat, most probably don't know that I find it a terribly emotion inducing place. Each time I'm in there I'm presented with an opportunity to choose between laughing and crying. For instance: should I feel sad for or entertained by the woman in the wheelchair who often comes in singing hits from the '80s and early '90s? Guy and Keith Sweat are her favorites. Tis true my peeps, tis true. 

Glance if you will at the photo below. To the right of the pic are 2 women (you can barely see them to protect their privacy). Apparently, they live in some sort of rehab or shelter center. Here are some of the comments I overheard this morning (Yes, I was ear hustling.): 

  

"Girl come here. Na listen I want to tell you something. Na this is between me and you 'cause I don't want nobody knowing 'bout this." My question: There are maybe only 4 of us in there, but still is the laundromat the place to tell your secrets? 

"All they serve us at that place is turkey wings and chopped meat. Na if you tell 'em you want something dey'll go buy it. But then dey don't all the time buy exactly what you asked fo." My questions: What is chopped meat? Is it a specific sort of meat or could any meat be considered "chopped"? If someone is buying food for you, do you have a right to be picky about it? 

"Let me tell you, between us, she got $2K and some change in September and na she claiming she ain't got no money. What she done wit all dat money? I did nice things for her when she needed help, but she didn't pay me back for it." My questions: When you truly, sincerely do nice things for people are you supposed to expect to be paid back? Also, how long did she expect the $2k and change really last? 

They were joined by a gentleman from the same home/shelter where they live (right of the photo below). His exchange was this: 

Woman: You going out this weekend? 

Man: Yes ma'am I am. Sh#t I went out last night. 

Woman: Oh you off of restriction? 

Man: Yes, I gots things to do. 

Woman: So what you left after the meeting last night? 

Man: Yeah child. I can't be staying in that home all the time. The streets be calling. I only use that place to sleep and eat. 

My question: Isn't the call of the street possibly what landed you in the home/shelter anyway?