He apologized for putting Emily in a difficult position and told her she had done nothing wrong by reporting what she saw.

He didn’t mention his age or his good intentions.

He ended by thanking her for treating him politely even when he had not deserved her trust.

I delivered it the following day.

Emily read it during her break and held the paper against the counter for a long time.

Then she asked if we still needed someone for Saturday deliveries.

“I work weekends sometimes,” she said, “but I can help organize the bags.”