They did not shout. They did not run. They did not beg. They just watched. Whenever someone bought food from their eyes followed the plate. When a man ate rice and meat, they watched. When a woman drank cold water, [music] they watched. When someone laughed, they watched. Goi felt something heavy inside her chest. She served another customer, but her eyes kept moving back to the boys.
One of them whispered something to the others. They leaned closer together. Then they looked back at the food. Goi swallowed hard. She remembered her own childhood. She remembered days when hunger made her head hurt. She remembered watching others eat. She shook her head. No, she told herself. Goi, focus on your work.
But her eyes refused to obey. A woman buying food noticed when Goi was looking. You know those boys? The woman asked. Goi shook her head. No. The woman hissed. Street children, they are everywhere now. If you give them food once, [music] they will never leave you. Goi forced a small smile.
