I used to have a job where I would walk around neighborhoods and alleys to find the water valves that go into peoples houses. My company was installing water meters and it was cheaper to hire a college student at $14/hr than have a the labor crew do it. I freaking loved that job and would do it in a second if I got the chance and didn't care about the 60% pay cut at this point in my life.

Anyway, one morning, I was walking through an alley doing my thang and walked by this homeless couple who were sleeping. I didn't know anybody was even there so the sudden movement kinda scared the shit out of me. When I saw that it was people (as opposed to some kind of bear), I was super relieved and said good morning to them. I looked at my map, and fuck, they were sitting right on top of where a water service was supposed to be. I never asked them to move or anything but the lady was super apologetic because she thought that they were in my way. I told them that they didn't have to move and that they could stay. I had plenty of other water services to look for and figured that they would be elsewhere by the end of the day. I should also mention that they never asked me for money or any kind of help in our conversation. I saw that the lady had a John Grisham book next to her and told her that I liked his writing. I used to burn through his novels at that time in my life so I thought it was cool that we had the same interest. We talked for a couple more minutes and she offered me the book and I politely declined since I wouldn't feel right taking one of their only possessions. And let me be clear - I didn't say, "No, I don't want to take one of your only possessions." I just said "Oh, no thank you. I have already read that one." After a couple minutes, I went on with my job.

As I was walking away, I thought man, I bet they are super hungry right now and walked back over to them and asked if they wanted something to eat. They declined but I said that it really would not be a problem and that I would be right back. I went to McDonalds, which was the closest place, and got them both breakfast platters and some coffee. The lady was super happy and thanked me a million times. The guy didn't say much but I didn't hold that against him. I can't imagine them really trusting anybody except eachother if they were in that shape.

Anyway, I went back later that day to find that last service and they were gone. They left a cardboard sign that said "thank you" and I left it there. It made the alley a little bit brighter and I didn't want to take that away.