“Here. This will help,” I said.

His lips parted as if to protest, but no words came. Instead, I darted across the street to a café and returned moments later with a large cup of hot soup and tea. His trembling hands accepted them, and I scribbled my address on a scrap of paper.

“If you ever need a place to stay or someone to talk to,” I told him softly, “come find me.”

He stared at the paper, his voice cracking as he asked, “Why? Why are you doing this?”

“Because everyone needs someone,” I replied. “And right now, you need someone.”

His eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Thank you,” he whispered.

 

I walked away, glancing over my shoulder once to see him sipping the soup, huddled against the wind. I didn’t ask his name, and I didn’t expect to see him again.