Cars moved slowly in Brookline city through traffic while a few people strolled on the sidewalks with their shopping bags and takeaway cups. The air smelled of roasted corn and exhaust fumes mixed together, a normal thing in that part of town.
Ethan Voss walked down the sidewalk holding two leashes in his hands. Two dogs, Max and a small white one named Coco, trotted beside him. Max moved slowly, strong and loyal, while Coco was restless, sniffing every corner they passed. Ethan held unto his bag tightly, his eyes shaded, his posture quiet and withdrawn.
The city noise filled the air: horns, chatter, footsteps, and distant music from a street vendor's radio. Ethan didn't mind any of it. He liked the sound of people living their lives, even if his felt silent most of the time.
He walked past the bakery, where the smell of fresh bread made Coco pull toward the door. Ethan tugged the leash gently. "Not today, girl," he said softly. "We're just walking."
Coco barked once, her small tail wagging fast.
Max looked up at Ethan, his big brown eyes calm, almost tired. Ethan smiled faintly and bent to pat his head. "Good boy."
They crossed the next street and entered a quieter lane lined with old buildings. Trash bins stood near the corners, and a few people walked their pets too. A soft breeze blew through, carrying papers that rustled along the pavement.
As they turned the corner, Ethan noticed a man ahead of them. The man was thin and rough-looking, with a long beard and worn-out clothes. He pushed a cart made of scrap metal, piled high with bags of plastic bottles, old clothes, and pieces of cardboard. His hair was messy, and his shoes were torn at the sides.
The man's cart made a squeaking noise as he dragged it along. He stopped when he noticed Ethan and the two dogs. His tired eyes lit up slightly.
"Well, look at that," the man said, grinning through missing teeth. "Ain't they fine creatures."
Ethan didn't say anything at first. He simply nodded politely and continued walking. But the man stepped forward a little, bending down slightly to get closer to the dogs.
"Hey there, big fella," the man said to Max, reaching his dirty hand out. "And the little one, what's your name, huh?"
Coco sniffed the air and barked sharply, pulling back a little. Max gave a low growl, deep and warning.
The man's grin faded. "What? You barkin' at me now? I'm just sayin' hi," he said in an annoyed tone. "You think I'll eat you or somethin'?"
He stood up straight again, shaking his head. "Dogs these days. Don't even know kindness when they see it."
Ethan stopped walking and turned slightly toward him. The homeless man started moving his cart again, mumbling as he went. "Wouldn't mind a bite myself, though. Ain't had food since yesterday."
Ethan watched him for a moment. Something about his words struck him. The man looked tired and hungry, the way his arms shook as he pushed the heavy cart said it all.
He hesitated for a second, then turned back. "Wait," he called.
The man stopped and turned around, squinting. "What, kid?"
Ethan reached into his bag and pulled out a small white card. He walked closer and held it out.
The man frowned. "You givin' me somethin'?"
"Yeah," Ethan said quietly. "Here."
The man reached for it, his rough fingers brushing against Ethan's hand. "Thanks," he muttered. "Could use some change."
He glanced at the card, expecting it to be money. But when he turned it around, he realized it wasn't cash. It was a printed card with a red flame logo that said "Voss Barbecue House - Free Meal Card".
His smile disappeared. "What the hell is this?"
Ethan spoke calmly. "It's a card from my father's barbecue shop. You can go there anytime. Tell him my name, Ethan. Show him the card. You'll get free food. Anything you want."
The man looked at him with disbelief. "You kiddin' me?"
"No," Ethan replied. "It's real. He'll know."
The man laughed bitterly and shook his head. "So, instead of givin' me money, you're tellin' me to go somewhere to beg for food?"
"It's not begging," Ethan said. "He'll treat you like a customer."
The man tossed the card in the air and caught it again. "You rich kids think this is funny?"
"I'm not rich," Ethan said simply.
The man sighed, stuffing the card into his pocket anyway. "We'll see if this thing's real," he said, his tone still irritated. "But if your daddy turns me away, I'll come lookin' for you."
Ethan nodded slightly. "He won't. Just go there before evening. The grill's best when it's fresh."
The man stared at him for a moment longer. Then he turned his cart and started pushing again, muttering under his breath. "We'll see, kid. We'll see."
Max watched him go, ears twitching. Coco barked once, breaking the silence.
Ethan bent down and rubbed Coco's back. "He's just having a rough time," he said softly. "Don't mind him."
The little dog licked his hand as if understanding.
He straightened up and started walking again. The sidewalk stretched long ahead, lined with trees and parked cars. A group of teenagers passed by, laughing loudly, while a food vendor shouted about roasted peanuts at the corner.
Ethan walked in silence, his thoughts drifting. He didn't know why he had given the man the card. Maybe it was guilt, or maybe it was something else. He had grown up watching his father feed strangers for free when they couldn't pay. His father always said no one should go hungry if there's food on the table.
As he reached the next block, he glanced at his reflection in a shop window. His suit was slightly dusty from the walk, and his face looked pale. He blinked a few times, brushing his hair back.
Coco tugged at the leash again, sniffing at a lamppost, while Max calmly followed. Ethan smiled faintly. "You two have too much energy," he said quietly.
They turned into another street, where the sounds of the city grew louder. Cars honked impatiently, and a bus stopped to pick up passengers. Ethan walked past them and into a small park nearby. It had a few benches, some trees, and a playground with children playing.
He sat down on one of the benches, letting the dogs rest beside him. Coco lay down, panting softly, while Max sat upright, watching the children.
Ethan pulled out his phone and scrolled through some messages. There wasn't much, a few spam mails, an ad from his father's shop, and a message from his coworker Collins reminding him about tomorrow's report. He sighed.
A small boy ran past the bench, laughing, followed by his mother calling his name. Ethan looked at them for a while. He wondered when last he had laughed like that.