Off The Record

I Fed A Homeless Man, Not Realizing Who He Really Was

Published on August 31, 2024

When a destitute man goes inside an office in search of warmth, he discovers a transformative experience that makes everybody around him truly human. They don’t realize that he has the ability to change their destiny; all he needs is a little compassion.

Richard pulled his coat closer as he walked up to one of his company’s offices, the chilly air cutting at his skin. The previous month had been exhausting and depressing.

In an attempt to locate someone who still upheld the principles he had attempted to inculcate, he had gone to every branch of his organization. But every time, he encountered contempt, rejection, or apathy.

His only chance lay in this branch. Tom, a young guy Richard had coached since his college days, oversaw it. Richard had imparted his expertise and understanding to Tom, assisting him in understanding the nuances of the industry.

Richard was going to discover if his efforts had been fruitful.

His thoughts strayed to the past as he moved near the entryway. He reflected on how his trips had once been elaborate events. The employees, eager to make an impression on the company’s affluent owner, would form a queue to welcome him with bubbly and friendly grins.

Richard was lost in concentration and only realized too late that there was a man approaching him. As they clashed, the man gave him a distasteful glance.

“Watch where you’re going, you bum!” the man spat before disappearing into the building.

Richard remained silent. Since he was now just Richie, a homeless man in need of some warmth and care, he had become accustomed to such remarks over the course of the previous month.

Claiming to be a person who had experienced financial difficulties, he had been turned away from each office he went to. He hoped that this time would be different.

Hoping for a different outcome, Richard steeled himself and went into the office, approaching the security guard.

The guard glared at Richard from head to toe. Harshly, “What do you want, bum?” he questioned.

Said Richard calmly, “I just need to warm up and maybe get something to eat.”

The guard shook his head. “This isn’t a homeless shelter. You need to get out of here. Now.”

Richard stayed calm. “I’m only asking for some food. Can you call Tom? I think he would help me.”

The guard laughed bitterly. “Tom? He’ll throw you out the second he sees you.”

“Please,” Richard said softly, hoping for a small act of kindness.

The guard let out a deep breath, rolling his eyes as though the assignment was too easy, and at last called Tom. Richard considered sitting down while he waited, glancing at the cozy-looking couch next to it.

Just as he moved toward it, the guard barked, “Don’t even think about it. Stay where you are.”

Richard returned to his position after nodding. A short while later, a young lady entered the structure. She smiled warmly at the security officer and turned to go to the elevator when she noticed Richard. She stopped to consider how worn out he looked, and her expression softened.

With anxiety in her eyes, the woman hesitated. “Are you okay, sir? Do you require assistance?”

Richard paused. “I just need to warm up, maybe get something to eat, and some water if possible.”

With haste, she gave him a water bottle. “Please take this. I’ll take you to the office, please. There is food there for us.”

Richard’s eyes lingered on the bottle. He remarked, “But it’s your water.”

“There’s no issue,” she told him. “Please, come with me.”

The guard moved to make way for Richard. “Tom said not to let anyone in without his permission.”

The woman frowned. “But this man just wants to eat. What’s your name, sir?”

“Richie.”

She said it again, “Richie just wants to eat.”

“The sentry folded his arms. Tom is currently descending. This jerk won’t be leaving till then.”

The woman’s face became sterner. “How impolite! He is a human being, much like you and me. Why ought he to receive any other treatment?”

Before the guard could respond, the elevator doors opened, and Tom stepped out, irritated. “What’s going on here?” he demanded.

Richard spoke calmly, “Good afternoon, sir. I just wanted to warm up and have something to eat.”

Tom’s face twisted with disdain. “Do I look like a volunteer? Get out of here! Now! You’re ruining the company’s reputation. What if a client sees a bum in the office?”

The woman attempted to use logic. “But Tom, he just wants to eat.”

Tom turned on her sharply. “And what’s it to you, Lindsay? You’re just an assistant! Go back to work!”

Without waiting for a response, Tom barked at the guard. “Get him out. And you,” he pointed at the woman, “follow me.”

She murmured hastily, “Go to the back entrance,” as she walked past Richard. “You can go to lunch with me.”

Before Richard could even nod, the guard grabbed him by the arm and roughly pushed him toward the door, hurling him mindlessly out onto the chilly street.

Richard stepped toward the rear door, trembling a little from the cold. A few minutes later, the same kind-hearted woman who had aided him earlier emerged.

“Let’s go. There’s a nice little restaurant nearby. It’s nothing fancy, but the food is really good,” she said, nodding toward the street.

Richard followed her, grateful for her kindness. “I don’t even know how to thank you. Lindsay, right?” he asked, trying to remember her name.

She smiled, shaking her head. “My name is actually Nancy. Tom never gets it right. He gives me a new name every day. I guess he thinks it’s easier that way. But really, there’s no need to thank me. It’s the least I can do.”

They strolled silently for a short while before arriving at the tiny eatery. Nancy seemed unconcerned when the waiters cast scornful glances upon them. After guiding Richard to a table, she took a seat across from him.

“Order whatever you want; it’s my treat,” she said, pushing the menu toward him.

After he paused, Richard said, “Thank you. Are you paid so much that it’s easy for you to purchase food for a complete stranger?”

Nancy groaned as her smile dimmed a little. “Not really. During the job interview, Tom assured me of a much higher pay. However, he later concluded that it was excessive for a recent college graduate.”

Richard’s rage was seething inside him as he balled his fists beneath the table. Richard could no longer identify Tom as he had changed.

Nancy noticed his expression and quickly added, “But it’s no big deal to treat you. My grandmother always taught me that kindness is its own reward. Even if it’s not, I like helping.”

Nancy blushed a little and stammered, “Oh, that probably sounded insulting. I didn’t mean to…”

Richard reached across the table and gently interrupted her. “It’s alright. I do need help, and your grandmother was a wise woman.”

Nancy took out her cash and paid for the full dinner with a nice smile on her face. Next, with a soft grin, she packed up some extra food and suggested that Richard take it with him.

Though he was hesitant, Richard welcomed her generosity and felt a warmth he hadn’t felt in a while. He saw in the young woman not only kindness but also a sincere heart. That’s when Richard understood he’d finally found someone who actually cared—something he’d been looking for his entire life.

Nancy entered the office with her customary determination to put up with Tom’s taunts for another day. However, there was a difference. Whispers of panic took the place of the normal din of conversation.

People’s faces were tight as they gathered in tiny groups. Nancy went to a reliable coworker because she felt uneasy.

“What’s going on?” Nancy asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Her coworker gave her a shocked look as her eyes widened. “The business’s proprietor passed away. Nobody is certain who will take over the business as he doesn’t have any children.”

Nancy experienced a shiver down her back. “What does that mean for us?”

“Tom thinks he’s next in line,” her colleague explained. “He was the owner’s protégé, after all. We’re all waiting for the lawyer to arrive and clear things up.”

The lawyer emerged from the elevator just as the doors had slid open. Tom virtually blocked his way as he hurried over to welcome him, appearing eager.

Tom was excited, but the attorney ignored him. His tone was sharp as he said, “I’m not here for idle talk.” “I need to see Nancy.”

Everyone in the workplace quieted down, focusing on Nancy. Unaware of why she was suddenly the center of attention, she felt her heart accelerate. She said, her voice hardly audible above a whisper, “Me?”

The attorney gave her a quick look. “Are you Nancy?”

“Y-yes,” she stumbled, her bewilderment mounting.

“So, you are the person I should talk to. Can we talk about this in private?”

Nancy nodded, stunned, and ushered the attorney into the conference room. The moment the door shut behind them, she was unable to contain her curiosity. “I don’t understand what’s happening.”

The lawyer’s expression was unreadable. “You’re the new owner of the company. Congratulations.”

“WHAT?!” More than she had intended, Nancy’s words reverberated across the tiny space.

The lawyer calmly placed a folder on the table. “Here are the documents, already signed by Richard. All you need to do is sign, and the company is yours.”

“However, I’m not understanding. Why me? Nancy was overpowered.”

“Richard bequeathed the company to you,” the lawyer said, reaching into his briefcase. “Oh, and there’s a letter too—I almost forgot.” He handed the letter to Nancy, who immediately tore it open, eager for answers.

“Hello Nancy,”

The word that I was going to die came to me six months ago. It was unexpected, and to be honest, I’ve held on for a longer time than I thought. The unsettling notion that I had no one to pass my firm to was what kept me going and gave me the willpower to carry on.

I didn’t have a wife or kids, at least not that I was aware of. I was quite concerned about the future of the company that I had started from scratch.

I made a choice around a month ago. I made the decision to go to every office location of my organization to see if anyone could continue the work that I had begun. Yet I wished not to be identified as the proprietor.

I assumed the identity of a homeless man because I wanted to see the real nature of the people who worked for me. I was curious about their true nature and how they handled those who appeared to be in need.

To tell the truth, I was somewhat disappointed. Nobody would even open the door for me. I was terribly disappointed not to find the respect and kindness I had hoped for. That was prior to our meeting.

Nancy, you and your generosity brought me back to religion. I see a compassionate heart and an honest spirit in you, despite your youth and inexperience. Above all abilities or knowledge, these are the most important attributes.

Please don’t change who you are. As you guide the business with intelligence and kindness, the rest will fall into place.

Regards, Richard

(Or Richie, as you knew me.)

PS: As the new owner, your first job is to fire Tom and rename him Timmy.