“Thank you, Granch, but we need to leave now.” It had been an hour since we arrived, and we needed to keep moving.

He didn’t say much but pointed to a bag on the sofa.

“What is this?” I asked.

“I packed it for you and your son. You’ll need it to keep your strength up on the journey,” he said quietly.

I was in awe at the contents of the bag—varieties of food, fruits, and even a blanket.

“How can I ever repay this kindness?” I whispered, tears brimming in my eyes.

“By surviving.”

His words carried weight. For some unknown reason, this man exuded a warmth that felt...