I glanced at my wallet. Two crumpled dollar bills. A few coins. Not much. But I couldn’t just walk past. His cup was nearly empty, the few coins inside too light to even make a sound.

I stepped over and bent down, dropping the bills into his cup.

His hand trembled as it brushed against the edge. When his fingers closed over the money, he lifted his head slightly.

“Thank you,” he whispered, voice dry and weary. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

“You’re welcome,” I murmured.

“Most people don’t even stop,” he added quietly. “I sit here all day sometimes.”

I swallowed hard, unable to find words. With a small nod, I returned to the bench.

Adam looked up. “Who was that man, Mom?”

“Just someone who needed a little help,” I said gently.

Alice tugged my sleeve. “Is he okay?”

“I don’t know, sweetie.”