"You violated policy in front of the window clientele," Richard snarled, pointing an accusing finger toward the end of the block. "You're fired. Strip off that apron and get out of here right now."
The old man looked up at Clara, his heart breaking for the young girl who had shown him mercy.
"For me...?" he whispered.
Clara looked straight into his tired eyes, smiling warmly without a trace of regret:
"I'd do it again."
Chapter III: The Call from the Bench
Richard scoffed, turning on his heel to head back inside the warm restaurant.
Behind him, the old man slowly set the plate down on the bench. The fragile, broken posture vanished entirely. His back straightened, his jaw set into steel, and an unmistakable aura of towering authority commanded the sidewalk.
Reaching inside the inner pocket of his worn coat, he pulled out a sleek black smartphone.