The Hungry Boy Carried His Grandfather's Photograph

CHAPTER 1 - The Photograph in Ethan's Pocket

Five-year-old Lily held tightly to her brother.

"I'm hungry," she cried.

Ethan looked across the bakery counter. He was ten, but fear and responsibility made him appear older.

"Do you have any bread left from yesterday?" he asked the clerk. "We do not have much money."

The clerk continued arranging doughnuts.

"We do not sell leftovers here."

Ethan lowered his head.

Lily began crying harder. He kissed her hair and whispered that he would find something for her.

A man seated behind them had heard everything.

Arthur Bennett was sixty-eight and wore an expensive charcoal suit. He walked toward the counter and placed his card beside the register.

"Pack everything."

The clerk stared at him.

"Sir, are you sure?"

"Everything. The bread, the pastries, and the sandwiches."

Arthur then asked the employees to divide the food between the children and two nearby shelters.

He crouched in front of Ethan.

"When did you last eat?"

"Yesterday morning."

"Where are your parents?"

"Our mom died. Dad cannot come home."

Arthur felt his chest tighten.

"Come with me. We will call someone who can help."

Ethan stepped back. As he reached into his pocket for the address of their foster home, an old photograph fell onto the floor.

Arthur picked it up.

It showed a much younger Arthur holding a newborn baby.

His hands began to shake.

"Where did you get this?"

"My mom gave it to me," Ethan said. "She told me to keep it safe."

The photograph had been taken thirty-six years earlier, on the day Arthur's only son was born.

Ethan studied Arthur's face.

"You look familiar. Is this you?"

Arthur nodded.

"Who is the baby?" Ethan asked.

Arthur could barely speak.

"My son, Daniel."

Ethan's eyes widened.

"Daniel Bennett?"

"Yes."

The boy took Lily's hand.

"That is our dad."

Arthur stared at the hungry children. Ethan had Daniel's eyes. Lily had the same small dimple Daniel possessed as a child.

"Where is he?" Arthur asked.

Ethan's expression hardened.

"In prison. Mom said he was innocent, but his own father did not believe him."

Arthur had entered the bakery as a stranger, but the two hungry children standing before him were his grandchildren.