by Christopher Welsch

Created on: September 17, 2009

Jeannie walked through the dark streets of Sacramento in the cold rain. Her feet, already sore from work, were very cold and wet, which started to slow her mobility. Then when she thought of the two hungry, little boys at home, she began walking quicker. She clutched her last ten dollar bill tightly as she weaved through the alleys of the slums.

In front of the store, a homeless person stood with a cardboard sign. It simply read, "Please help me." She wished she could help him, but her weak financial situation caused her to pretend that she didn't notice him. She felt regret for pretending that he didn't exist. He was a human being, just like her, that needed to eat.

Inside the fast food restaurant, many customers impatiently waited to place their orders. The couple in front of her, speaking loudly, were the most impatient. Jeannie glanced at the wife's gaudy, diamond ring and silently scoffed to herself. The single mother stood there thinking about her two precious gems at home and the big smiles on their faces.

"I'm going to notify the cashier about that dirty bum outside. I came here to eat, not to give my money away," said the husband.

The wife nodded in resolute agreement. Her nod prompted a quiet sigh to escape her breath. They are much better off than him, she thought. Why won't they help. Just then, she realized, she has a home. That man outside in the rain probably doesn't have a place to retreat to, away from society's eyes. After the husband placed his order, he rudely notified the cashier about the human stuck in the rain and quickly left to go home.

"May I help you?" asked the underpaid employee. Jeannie looked up and smiled warmly at the cashier. She stepped up to the counter and requested her food. They quickly prepared her food and she left the store within minutes.

When she went out into the cold, she made eye contact with the destitute man. She reached in the brown paper bag and pulled out her burger. She handed it to the homeless adult. His icy hands clasped the wrapper tightly and a smile appeared on his face.

"Thank you, so much."

"Your welcome," she responded.

She went home, on an empty stomach, to feed her children. Knowing that that man will eat dinner, gave her soul nourishment, which made her feel like a human with value. Even though her stomach grumbled tremendously, she felt happier than the couple that was in the store.

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