The Empty Stool | Roadside Notes — A Faith and Good Courage Journal Reading | Ep55

Roadside Notes · Sep 24, 2026 · 5m

The Empty Stool was the last seat in the house. Every other spot at the counter was taken and the booths were full and the lunch crowd was moving fast and not paying much attention to the young man who slid onto that last stool like he was trying to take up as little space as possible.

He didn't want to be there. Not in the diner, not in the conversation, not in whatever day he was having. He ordered coffee. Didn't look at the menu. Didn't look at me. Stared at the counter the way people stare at things when they're not actually seeing them. I didn't push. I never push. But I did what I've…