half a bread

It was a cold day.

He tightened his grip on his blanket as he shivers, cursing at the freezing wind which sent chills down his chest every now and then. Homeless and hungry, he sold his other blankets in exchange of food- food that kept him full and warm temporarily, food that can never truly satisfy his hunger. Holding on to his last, he swore he will keep it for himself.

A rich man, dressed appropriately for the weather, stopped by and offered him some leftover bread. An act of kindness. He smiled and said, "thank you, sir, but I'm no beggar."
He has been one for many years, but that doesn't mean he likes to be one. Perhaps the the cold has driven him insane, to refuse food especially in this weather.
The rich man, displeased with the response, left without another word.

Another poor man came along and sat near him, holding a piece of bread in his hands. Fresh from the oven, judging by the warm steam coming out of the bread. As he is about to munch on the bread, he saw his neighbour in the corner of his eyes, shivering in cold and hunger. Without breaking for hesitation, he broke the bread into two equal pieces, and offered one half to that man.

Another act of kindness. Both the rich man and poor man offered half a bread. The difference is that the rich man had half a bread to spare. The poor man does not.

Stream of tears warmed his cold cheek as the man with the blanket took the bread from the other man.  He asked the man to sit beside him, and shared his blanket with him. Together, they ate the bread.
The air was cold, but their hearts were warm.