Johnny Mathews surely new it couldn’t be that hard to steal the old hag’s purse. She limped slowly along the street, holding groceries in both hands.

The boy ran to the woman and snatched her purse. She dropped her groceries in surprise, and grabbed Johnny by the arm.

“Boy, what do you think you’re doing?” Johnny stared at the woman in shock. “You ain’t gonna answer me?”

“I—I uh…”

“That’s what I thought. You ain’t gon’ steal nothin’ from me. What’s your name, boy?”

“John—Johnny, ma’am,” he replied.

“Do your parents live ‘round here?”

Johnny hesitated before answering, “No ma’am… I’m a lone wolf.”

“Boy, do you have a home?” Johnny’s gaze shifted to the ground. “Look me in the eye when I’m speaking,” the old lady ordered.

“No.”

She picked up her groceries in one hand and snagged Johnny’s ear by the other. His face reddened in pain as she dragged him along the end of the road, to a small navy blue bungalow.

When they entered the small house, the woman laid her groceries on the table and said, “Go clean up. You’re covered in dirt, boy.”

Johnny went to the bathroom and washed his face. Looking in the mirror, he could see scratches on his face, running along his cheeks, and dark circles under his eyes. Surely, the old hag was right. His face was covered in soil.

Johnny then returned to the kitchen where the woman was sorting her groceries: eggs, milk, Swiss cheese, bread, and a jar of pickles. She cut two slices of the cheese, one for herself and one for Johnny.

“Ma’am… It’s very kind of you but I couldn’t…” Johnny stammered.

“You wanted to steal my money, and you look weak. You’re a hungry boy. Eat up.”

Johnny took the cheese and gobbled it down. The old lady shared a slice of her freshly baked bread with Johnny too, and gave him a glass of water.

“I forgot to introduce myself. You can call me Sammy. Sammy Goldman.”

“Well, Ms. Goldman, I’d like to thank you for the food.”

“Just call me Sammy. No need to be so formal.”

“Well then, Sammy, I thank you.”

For once the woman smiled, and the sides of her bright blue eyes crinkled.

“Johnny… Is that right?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Johnny, ya know, I was like you once. Goin’ around stealin’ stuff. Sometimes things I didn’t even need. It’s tough out there all alone. I get it. You need to be careful. You never know how some people can be. You hear me?”

“Yeah… I know.”

“Good. Now if you ever need anything, Johnny, I’ll be here. Got it?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Sammy.”

As the woman led Johnny to the door, she handed him a twenty dollar bill and a loaf of bread.

Before Johnny could thank her once more, Sammy was gone.