“For standing at the door that first day and deciding I understood Naomi’s whole life from what she could afford at the register.”

Frank considered.

“You weren’t wrong that she was struggling.”

“I was wrong that her struggle was the most important thing about her.”

“Then you’re learning.”

Preston offered to pay the bakery for meals Frank had quietly provided.

Frank refused an exaggerated sum and accepted only what he could document, with Naomi’s knowledge.

He insisted any further assistance go into a community lunch program that served families without singling them out.