Him? The woman paid and walked away. Goi watched the boys again. One of them scratched his arm. Another rubbed his stomach slowly like it hurt. The third kept his eyes on the ground. Go’s heart beat faster. She spoke to herself again. “If I give them food, what will I eat later?” [music] she asked quietly. “What if customers come?” Her spoon trembled slightly. A bus stopped nearby.
More people passed, but nobody looked at the boys. Goi felt angry, but not at anyone, just at life. She served another customer, then another. As time passed, fewer people came. The sun began to move down slowly. Goi counted her food. There was still some left. She looked across the road again.
The boys were still there. They had not moved. Goi took a deep breath. Her mind started to argue with itself. You are poor too, one voice said. You cannot save everyone. Another voice answered. But you can save someone. Goi pressed her lips together. She picked up her spoon. She picked up a plate. Her hand stopped halfway.
She remembered Madame Bissi, the woman who sold food two shops away. Madame Bi always laughed at her. Kindness will not pay your rent, Madame Bi once said. Goi shook her head. I am not trying to pay rent with kindness, she whispered. I just want to be human. She stood up slowly. Her legs felt weak. She looked at the boys again.
[music] This time, one of them noticed her standing. Their eyes met. The boy did not smile. He did not wave. He just looked back, careful and unsure. Goi felt her throat tighten. She walked a few steps [music] forward, then stopped. “What if they run?” she thought. She cleared her throat. Her voice came out soft but clear.
“Come,” go said. The boys did not move. She tried again, louder this time. Come here, she said, pointing to her table. The boys looked at each other. One whispered something. Another shook his head. felt nervous. I won’t beat you, she said quickly. [music] I just want to talk. People nearby glanced ather, curious. The boys slowly stood up.
