Change on the Streets of New York

I pass by a woman wearing a brown coat and a red hat sitting next to a sign saying "Hungry". I plan to walk by but something about her caught my attention.

She's crying although her tears were freezing on her face due to the harsh winds. She's holding something wrapped in a dirty cloth. I look and it a child who is a pale shade of blue.

The infant was silent and unmoving. I take money out of my wallet and hand her $20. As I hand it to her, she grabs my hand and pulls me down and hugs me. I hold her as she crys.

She then whispers, "No mija. Save your money for those who need it." She refused my money.

I saw her later on the news. She was frozen in that same spot with her child. Her face was frozen in a frown with a single tear hugging her face.

Poverty is a cruel fate. But a broken heart is even crueler.

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