The Orange Vest-Wearing Men

“The two men who saved your life are waiting to greet you right outside.”

I looked at her, trying to figure out what was going on. Dehydration, a bad virus, and pure exhaustion had left me unable to think clearly. Something in my chest, however, relaxed when she said, “Your babies are safe,” as if a tight knot had finally given way.

My blood pressure dropped, the doctor explained, partly because I had the flu and partly because I had pushed myself too hard for too long. At last, my body had raised the white flag.

We must go back in time to comprehend how I got into that hospital bed, though, as what matters most is what transpired prior to that Monday.

Since they were two years old, Jesse and Lila had developed an obsession with the garbage truck. Naturally, it wasn’t the trash per se; rather, it was the engine’s roar, the route’s cadence, and the entire ritual. Like clockwork, they would put their noses to the window every Monday until I allowed them to run outside and observe.

Возможно, это изображение 3 человека, ребенок, люди улыбаютcя и текст “FULL IN THE FIRST COMMENT”

It was Theo who first saw them. He was tall, kind-eyed, and soft-spoken. Once, just once, he would honk the horn to say “hello.” His animated partner, Rashad, would wave as if he had been looking forward to seeing them for the entire week.

That was all that was required.

High fives, jokes, and even dollar store-bought toy garbage trucks became commonplace. Jesse was like gold to him. Lila turned a shoebox into a bed and tucked it in each night.

These weren’t merely sanitation workers in the eyes of my children. They were trustworthy, friendly, and heroes. I used to joke that they were the only adults who never failed us.

Therefore, I wasn’t shocked—not really—that they took the initiative when things went awry on Monday.

When I was eventually released, I made sure to be outside with Jesse and Lila the following Monday. When I thanked them, my voice broke. Rashad gave me a hug and remarked, “We protect our people.”

And then something changed.