There’s a beggar I used to see on the street who I’d often give money to because he was friendly and in his own way, dignified. For some reason or another, he disappeared and sometimes I wondered what happened to him, assuming naturally the worst. Today I bumped into him in his old spot for the first time in a year. It made me very happy and smiling, I immediately reached into my pocket for some change. When he saw me, he sprang up and came right over to shake hands. I was sort of thrown off but recovered enough to shake and ask how he was.
Fine, he said. I’ve been travelling.
Good– are you back now?
For the time being, yes.
I started to give him the money but when he saw what it was he wouldn’t take it. “No, no–I’m just glad to see you again,” he said and walked back to his seat.

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