My breath hung in the air as I watched the man drape the blanket over her shoulders, his actions deliberate and careful.
The girl looked up at him, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and relief.
Her lips moved, a whisper of thanks swallowed by the wind.
I hesitated, my feet rooted to the spot.
Part of me wanted to step forward, to offer my own help.
But the other part was wary, uncertain of the boundaries and what this all meant.
The man caught my eye, a silent understanding passing between us.
He gave a small nod, as if acknowledging the unspoken question hanging in the air.
“You okay there, kid?” he asked, his voice rough yet gentle.
The girl nodded, clutching the blanket tighter.
