“I’m sorry to interrupt,” the man in work clothes began, his voice steady but filled with genuine concern. “But I can’t help but notice you’re missing a shoe, young man.” The boy looked up, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. He tried to shrink into his seat, but the eyes of the subway car were now on him.
The man continued, undeterred, “I’ve got a pair of sneakers in my bag. They’re a bit worn, but they’re clean and they might fit you.” He gestured to his bag with a nod. The boy hesitated, glancing around at the curious faces peering at him, unsure of how to respond.
