It started as just another routine moment. I was on my lunch break, patrolling my usual route, when I saw her—frail, cane in hand, hesitating at the crosswalk.

Without thinking twice, I offered my arm and walked her across, steady and slow, like I’ve done for so many others before. She thanked me sweetly, but as we reached the other side, she paused, looked me straight in the eye, and said, “You still wrinkle your nose when you’re confused, just like when you were little.”

My heart stopped. I stared at her, caught completely off guard. “I’m sorry… do I know you?” I asked. She smiled, took a deep breath, and said, “I used to watch you after school, Marcus. You had a stuffed lion named Samson and hated vegetables with a passion.” She wasn’t wrong. That lion went everywhere with me. And the veggies? Still not a fan.

I couldn’t believe it.