A few years ago, a child named Lucas used to pass a small restaurant every day on a quiet street in the center of the city. The restaurant was operated by Madame Claire, a strong-willed, kind woman. Lucas never held out his hand to ask for money, instead waiting patiently for Claire to come out with a small bag of food, which she would then deliver to him silently. Weeks passed during this solemn ceremony. Lucas would give a grateful smile, droop his head a little in respect, and walk slowly away.
One evening, after getting a strong intuition, Claire decided to speak with him: Tell me, Lucas. You could eat at home instead. Is your mother sick? The boy’s face tensed for a moment, as if he were bearing burdensome memories. Then, with a fleeting smile, he murmured, “Thank you, madam.” Thank you very much. But I have to go. Without waiting, he pivoted and ran away. Claire was so anxious that night that she was unable to sleep.
When Lucas returned the next day, she followed him in silence, her heart pounding. She was shocked that the child didn’t eat at a shelter or in a corner. He ran to a little house at the end of a dusty alley, placed the food bag carefully on the porch, and disappeared as if he was scared of being seen. Claire hid in the shadows and watched the scene unfold.
A few minutes later, the door opened and a young girl ran out. The sight of the small food bag made her face brighten. “Mom, mom, see!” she said as she ran inside. Claire felt her heart tighten. Why did Lucas leave the food here since he never asked for anything in return?
She couldn’t help but approach him gently when she saw him again the next day: — Lucas — she whispered affectionately —, I followed you yesterday. I saw what you did. The child lowered his head, his eyes glimmering with silent guilt. “I didn’t want anyone to know,” he stated. That was my house before my mother died. The residents temporarily housed us there.
They have little, but now that I can help a little, I do. But I don’t want them to see me. I just wanted to say thank you to them. Claire felt a knot of emotion form in her throat. You are an unusually noble boy, Lucas. I’d also like to help you aid them if you’d like. From then on, she cooked leftovers for him and sent baskets full of bread, fruit, and treats for the children.
She eventually gave the mother a position in her restaurant and assisted the younger children in completing their studies.
Madame Claire’s generosity and Lucas’s generosity gave the family hope once more.
Lucas also learned that acting with true love can sometimes bring help, even when you don’t ask for it.
