Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I was in my city centre the other day, something I rearely do because it is so busy, noisy and unfriendly.  I walked past the shopping centre and noticed a youngish man sitting in the doorway of a shuttered shop. Something about the way he huddled into his grubby blankets against the cold steel shutters, his straggly, sandy hair blowing about his face in the wind and rain, made me feel so much compassion. It was as if even the buildings were against him, shutting him out, telling him there was no place for him here. 

I went to a sandwich shop and bought him a sandwich and a take-away tea. I took them back to him and we didn't exchange conversation really, I just said, "I've brought you a bite to eat," and he said, "Thanks very much" and gave me a lop-sided smile -- as if he didn't have enough happiness for a full one.  As I turned to walk away, another shopper, a chap about my age, who really should have known better, said to me, "You shouldn't do that, it only encourages them!" before walking swiftly on, as if the boy was a bothersome pigeon or stray cat!  

I was so flabbergasted and couldn't even reply, my jaw just moving up and down with no words coming out. Then I couldn't speak because I was feeling apoplectic with indignation, I could only stare at his retreating back, with its warm coat protected from the rain by an umbrella.  What a ridiculous thing to say. I just closed my open mouth and turned to the young man. I couldn't think of anything that would take back that horrible comment. I just turned to him and said, "Take no notice," and he nodded sadly at me and I went on my way.