Text and photos by Stacie Joy
"Stacie, I promise you, we'll be back," Ben says this past Sunday evening, while gesturing with his cigarette. "We have a long lease. We've been here for 45 years. We will come back. When all this is over."
He tries to finish his smoke before heading back in the deli on Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street to grab some hummus for the road, but forgets that he's wearing a face mask and has to maneuver things around in order for the cigarette to find its target.
Ben's youngest son, Gamal, is packing up some cereal and snacks for Ben's grandkids back home. Meanwhile, store employee Glenn is carting perishables into Ben's "office," his Astro van parked across the street. A few people come in to say goodbye and grab some last-minute supplies. The mood is somber.
There's still some milk and yogurt left on the shelves, which Ben offers to me as I take some final images. I know there is social distancing in place, and I am also wearing a mask, so I don't know if he can see I am moved by the shuttering of the store. I wish I could touch his arm, communicate in some way how sorry I am that this is happening.
"I worry about you and the neighborhood," he says. "There's crime now, much worse that it was before. People have no work, no jobs, and soon, no money for rent. Then what will happen? Not good. Take care, be careful."
His son steps around the figure sleeping on the sidewalk in front of the store in order to pull the gate down. Ben shakes his head, climbs in his van and takes off for home.
Previously on EV Grieve:
On Avenue B, Ben's Deli is closing for now; first time in 45 years
oh my---'He tries to finish his smoke before heading back in the deli on Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street to grab some hummus for the road, but forgets that he's wearing a face mask and has to maneuver things around in order for the cigarette to find its target'---GREAT opening for a spy thriller :)
ReplyDeleteBen's has ben our mainstay for 43 years, we love the man and his family...great repeorting stacy! Come back soon Ben! we miss you!
ReplyDeletethe pic of him and his son under the clock is incredible. so sorry to see him go for now and eagerly awaiting his return!
ReplyDeleteI lived across the street since 1987 and have known Ben and all his family and associates at the deli for YEARS! A great asset to the neighborhood and wish them all the best and STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY
ReplyDeleteHe's right about the Streets getting more dangerous..Keep your eyes open people. The sane are hiding in their homes and the Lunatics are working the streets and the Cops? Nowhere to be found..
ReplyDeleteThis is a very touching and well-written story. Thank you for this.
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