Some of those people cried when they realized what they had done.

Some cried because they had nearly lost neighbors they barely knew.

And some simply went to work making sure the next family would not have to struggle unseen.

Andrew set a bowl in front of Ashley and sat down beside her.

Outside, the rain kept falling.

Inside, there was food, warmth, and the sound of his daughter asking for another piece of bread.

This time, when she reached for his hand, there were others they could reach for too.