Avery’s stew, the borrowed bus fare.

Had I simply misread a wealthy man sitting in an expensive ruined coat?

Daniel seemed to read the question on my face.

“He didn’t approach you, and he didn’t ask you for money.

He never pretended he had no resources.

You saw a man in distress, asked whether he had eaten, and made a decision.

That decision remains yours.”

I took a long breath.