As she left the office that day, I returned to my desk, the financial reports now seeming trivial in comparison. I couldn’t shake the image of Anna and her brother, waiting in the park, from my mind.
Later that afternoon, I found myself wandering down to the park, a vague notion of checking in on them pulling me there. The crisp autumn air bit at my cheeks as I walked among the fallen leaves, scanning the area for any sign of them.
It didn’t take long to spot them. Anna was seated on a bench, her brother beside her. He looked younger, maybe seven, his cheeks pink from the cold. They shared a sandwich, talking quietly between bites.
I approached cautiously, unsure of how my presence would be received. Anna saw me first, her eyes widening in recognition.
« Hey, » I said, offering a small wave. « I just wanted to see how you were doing. »
Anna nudged her brother, and he looked up, curiosity bright in his eyes. « This is my brother, Jake, » she introduced, a touch of pride in her voice.
« Hi, Jake, » I said, crouching down to their level. « Nice to meet you. »
He nodded, his gaze flicking between Anna and me. « Thanks for the milk, » he said, his voice shy but genuine.
« You’re welcome, » I replied, feeling the warmth of their gratitude wash over me.
We chatted for a while, the conversation light and easy. I learned that they lived with their mom, who worked long hours at a local diner. The park was their after-school hangout, a place to wait until she finished her shift.
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