“Is that for me?”
Matthew nodded.
The child grabbed the plate and began eating so quickly that he could barely breathe between bites.
“Slow down,” Matthew said gently. “No one is going to take it from you.”
The boy stopped chewing and looked at him uncertainly.
“You promise?”
“I promise.”
For the first time, some of the fear left the child’s eyes.
Matthew sat beside him while he ate.
“What’s your name?”
“Luke.”
“I’m Matthew.”
Luke glanced toward the glittering ballroom.
“Do you live here?”
Matthew laughed softly.
“No. My mom is hosting the party.”
Luke’s expression changed.
“Then maybe I should go.”
“Not until you finish eating.”
Luke looked down at the plate.
No one had spoken to him that kindly in a long time.
