Chris and Robert

I sat down at a local bar and Chris bought me a drink.  He told me how much he loved visiting Louisiana.  I thought to myself, Louisiana, that sounds like a nice place to visit.  We talked a bit about traveling. That's the first and probably last I'll see Chris.  He was a random stranger that did a nice thing for a random person.  Whenever something nice like this happens, I try to pay it forward.

I was on the way back from work when I saw Robert standing on the side of the road.  He was in his late 30's, Hispanic with tattooed forearms, a lip ring, a black shaggy beard, and dressed in grungy black t-shirt/shorts.  Robert held up a small brown cardboard sign that had "Hungry" written boldly across with a black sharpie.

"Hey, if you're hungry, I'll buy you dinner at In-N-Out."

Robert gave me an incredulous look, "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, grab your stuff," I replied.

Robert snatched his skateboard and backpack just in time to jump into my truck before the traffic light turned green.  We drove down half a block to the In-N-Out and we each ordered double-double burgers with drinks.

I didn't ask, but Robert seemed compelled to share his story.  He told me he was kicked out by his roommates for not paying rent.  He used to work construction for 10 years and described to me in detail some of his previous projects.  He was born in LA, raised in San Diego, had a stint in jail (where he got his tattoos), is trying to clear his criminal record so he could find some work, and found it irritating when his parents compared him to his more successful brother.  He also loves gardening.

Today's panhandling earned him a few dollar bills, half a roast beef sandwich, and a hit of chronic.  He offered me the hit, but I had to politely refuse. He's now off to visit his girlfriend, whom he cheated on before with some other girl named Tammy. He felt ashamed that he's homeless and didn't want to admit this to his girl.

At least that's the story that he told me. I didn't offer any money (only the meal) and just waved goodbye to Robert after we finished eating. It was simple; we both came in hungry and left delightfully full. Most likely, we will never meet again.

I like to think that Chris just fed Robert.