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I said, “Thank you,” because it was all I could muster in that moment.

I wish I had said more. It didn’t really hit me in that moment how important what you said was.

It was a pivot point in my life, ever so slightly tipped the scales, just enough for me to crawl my way out of the hole I was buried in.

“We all get hungry sometimes,” and you handed me some crisps and a brownie and a juice box.

You said it like you knew I’d say I’m OK, like you knew I’d refuse a handout. Said it like you knew I’d feel like a burden taking from you.

You didn’t even know me. And I don’t know you.

Pregnant with a pram and a young child, busy rushing around. Maybe it was school drop-off, or you were late for an appointment, I don’t know.

You put your life on hold for a moment, a few seconds, to show me such a simple act of kindness.

I don’t know why.

In that moment, I felt invisible, like I had completely disappeared. I was thinking about ending all my bad days in the most permanent way. Maybe you could see that.

Maybe you could see the sleeping bag and everything I owned in my backpack.

Maybe you could see the weeks of broken sleep in my face from where I moved through the shadows trying to find a safe place to rest.

Maybe you saw the dark cloud smothering me on a sunny morning. I don’t know.

I don’t know what made you stop. But I think of you often. When the clouds come, and settle on my shoulder.

I think of you when I’m in my kitchen making myself food in the flat I now have.

One I would have never gotten if you hadn’t given me those seconds of your life.

I don’t know what I should have said, but definitely more than a tired thank you.

I don’t know if you knew what an impact that had.

I hope you do.

I hope every day is beautiful for you, I hope you always have warm sunshine and cool nights fit for getting cosy in bed.

I hope you have a restful sleep and warm food.

I hope you always feel loved and appreciated.

I hope you know how beautiful you are inside and out.

I hope you know you are a good person. I hope you are proud of yourself.

I hope life is kind to you and you stay well.

I hope your kids are half as decent as you. They will make the world a better place with your guidance.

Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for feeding me.

Thank you for your kindness. It saved my life.

We all get hungry sometimes.