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Dave is so sure he heard a strange noise. Faint it is, but loud enough for him to conclude that it is indeed strange. They are only two in the house; himself and his little son of 3. His wife and daughter had travelled to visit a relative, they won't be back till 3 days time. What could be the source of that strange noise?
Now he's scared, because he does not know what or who is in the house, how many are there or what they want.
Dave reaches under his bed and brings out a tiny club, could barely do any damage. But that is all he can get his hands on. He takes his torch as well.
And there goes the sound again, louder this time. Well now he can deduce that it's who, and not what. Walking stealthily on his toes, he opens the door and steps outside the bedroom. It's his house after all,hence he knows his way in the darkness. An edge he should have over the intruder, hopefully. Without making the slightest sound, he reaches his living room hideously.
It's got to be a (or some) robbers, he concluded. He hears the noise once more and it can be traced to the kitchen. Really? What is an intruder doing in the kitchen?
Dave walks towards the kitchen door which is closed, and places his ear on the door. He could visualize the actions based on the sounds, like pots opening, spoons clinking and it's just one person.
Whoever is in there, there is a 70 percent chance he means no harm. Or does he? Dave can't relax regardless. Counting to three in his mind, Dave yanks open the door and flashes his torch. Behold...

His neighbor?

"What are you doing Mr Thomas?" Dave bellowed.
Mr Thomas out down the pot containing the rice remnants and kneels down, sobbing.
"I asked what you are doing! I had no idea you are a robber, this is shocking!" Shouts Dave.
"My kids are starving, I...I.." Mr Thomas stuttered amidst tears.
Dave ordered him out of the kitchen and put on all the lights. He directs him to the bedroom, and what he saw changed his feelings and reaction.
Right on top of the table is his laptop, wallet and ipad untouched. Why will Mr Thomas leave these and go for the kitchen?
Dave sits him down and asks for explanation. And the explanation, Dave did hear.
Mr Thomas has been struggling financially since he lost his job last couple of weeks. He had no one to turn to for help, his kids are out of school and starving. He asks Dave to listen carefully to the only sound of the night, and there it was...the cries of a child. They have not had a meal through out the previous day, the kids are all bones already.
He had no idea that Dave was at home, he knew they were traveling and thought Dave went along with his wife and kids. He just wanted to feed his starving kids...
"Why didn't you talk to me? Why did you keep quiet?" Asks Dave.
No one has helped me, although I know times are hard but no one that I talked to helped me. I was getting excuses upon excuses.
Dave is no longer comfortable with the cries of the little girl that fills the night, so he entered the kitchen and brings out the pot that contains the remaining rice. He hands it over to his neighbor to go and eat first, they will talk tomorrow morning.

As Dave listen to Mr Thomas the next morning, he felt for him. He lost his job and the bike he uses for commercial purpose broke down. He never had much savings, the little he had was what they survived on before it finished.
Dave offers to repair his bike and also gives money to buy foodstuffs.

**An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. **
Not every seemingly bad action calls for like reaction. Sometimes what is needed is empathy, compassion and kindness.

Thanks for reading ❣️