I carefully folded down the corner of my page, set the book on my knee, and leaned forward.

I picked up the plastic truck, turned it over to check it for any sharp cracks, and held it out to the child with a warm, calm smile.

“Here you go, little soldier,” I said softly.

“Keep that truck on the road.”

The little girl reached out, took the toy, and hugged it to her chest.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Clara said, her voice soft and polite.

She shifted her shoulder bag once more and gave me a short, grateful nod.