He was just sitting there, shaking so badly it hurt to watch.
That's when I saw him.
I knew that feeling.
And before I could stop myself, I crossed the street.
Without thinking, I pulled the money from my pocket and pressed it into his hand.
"Please… get something warm."
He looked up then, really looked at me.
And for some reason, I asked, "What's your name?"
There was a pause.
Then, quietly, he said, "Arthur."
I nodded.
"Please… get something warm."
"I'm Nora," I added, and also shared my last name. I introduced my twins, leaning them over so Arthur could see them. He repeated my name once, as if he didn't want to forget it.
"Nora."
I walked home that night instead of taking the bus, three miles in the rain, holding my girls close so they wouldn't get wet.
By the time I got to my apartment, my shoes were soaked, and my hands were numb.
He didn't want to forget it.
I remember standing there, staring at my empty wallet.
Thinking I was stupid.
That I had made a mistake.
And that I couldn't afford kindness.
***
