157

Dust clung to his clothes and in the lines on his face.  The air conditioning in the diner had been running full blast to combat the dry heat outside, but the stranger didn't seem to sweat.  As was usual, the diner's regulars turned to stare, not hiding their evaluation of the new man.  Plus for nodding, minus for heading to the restroom before sitting.  To Vera's mind, however, that was two plusses.  When the man returned, he looked fifteen years younger and five pounds lighter with his face and hands washed.  Vera poured him coffee, and he nodded his thanks, his eyes looking straight into hers.  It was Vera who had to pull away, and she felt an odd rush.  Normally, she might feel uncomfortable with that sort of attention, but not with this man.  Vera didn't know if that was a good, or a bad thing.

156

The heat went out in my apartment again three days ago, and the company that owns this building doesn't seem to care.  I'm the only tenant, so maybe they forgot about me.  That would suit me fine, except that it's damn cold out, and getting colder in here by the hour.  The electric still works, and today's the day I plan an adventure to string together extension cords to another floor so I don't have to pay to run a space heater.  If only I had the will to get out of my warm bed.

155

They say that the mirror never lies.  Unfortunately, you have to look in a mirror with your eyes, which are notorious fibbers.

154

Sharon stood on an overturned bucket to peek over the neighbor's privacy fence.  The grass really was greener on the other side.  In truth, it wasn't difficult to be greener than Sharon's weedy, pitted yard, but the new neighbor's yard was greener than any she could imagine.

153

The monkeys were agitated again, and Chambers couldn't for the life of him figure out why.  It was a hot, humid evening.  Quiet.  Still.  Perhaps that was it--the stillness before a storm, though one hadn't been in the forecast.  Chambers would have welcomed the rain.  Shrill monkey screams broke the silence again, trees rustling.  What could have gotten into them?

152

It was such a small thing, just a glance, and it wouldn't have even been noticed if she hadn't looked up at the precise moment.  In her better days, Jess wouldn't have given it thought, but recently she had become hyper-sensitive to looks from strangers.  The face that Jess saw was disdainful.  Dismissive.  Disgusted.  The more she thought about that face, the more horrible the look became in her memory.  It told her she was unworthy and an affront to the senses.  Worse than an animal that could at least be pitied.

151

You have taken the first step.  By reading this book, you have acknowledged that not only are you poor, but that you no longer wish to remain poor.  Let this book be your inspiration, your first step up and out of poverty.  Hopefully, you didn't pay too much for it.

In this book you will find:

• Inspirational stories from regular people who prove that you can get out of poverty.
• Thrifty tips and tricks to help you gather wealth.
• Tips and tricks to make you appear (and feel!) richer than you currently are.
• Motivational quotes and facts.
• NEW!  Special added chapter for those who have never been poor, designed to help them realize that being poor is not a character defect.

Your journey from poverty begins now.  Good luck!