“I’m not selfish. I’m being realistic. Mom agrees with me.”

“Your mother is worried about safety. You’re worried about being inconvenienced.”

“That’s not fair, Rob.” Mom’s voice was firm. “I understand you want to help, but bringing a stranger into our home around our children, that’s not safe.”

“He is not dangerous.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do.” Dad’s voice was firm, certain.

Mom stared at him. “How?”

Dad paused, looked at both of us.

“Because I talked to him for 2 minutes before I came in here.”

“Talking to someone for 2 minutes doesn’t tell you, Rob.”

“He apologized three times for bothering us. He asked if we could spare food. Not money. Food. He said, ‘I haven’t eaten in 2 days, but I understand if you can’t help.’” Dad’s voice softened. “He was polite, respectful. His eyes…”