The Free Chocolate

I was having a quick bite at a local cafe, when I noticed a man sitting calmly in the waiting area with his (apparently) 10-year-old daughter. It was nothing out of the ordinary, so I wasn't paying close attention.

Soon, a lady from the staff called the man to the counter, telling him that his order was ready. The guy picked that to-go parcel and handed it over to the girl. While leaving though, he seemed to mark that order on his phone and I recognized a logo on the back of his jacket. That's when it hit me - he was a food delivery guy!

Questions flooded my mind. Why was the little girl with him? Did he pick her up from a class on the way? Or was she tagging along with him because there was nobody else at home to look after her? How many deliveries could they have done together?

The staff lady chased after them, and when they were at the door, gave the little girl a chocolate bar. The girl smiled widely at this (literally) sweet gesture.

I settled my bill and left. Once outside, I saw the duo again. Dad riding his motorbike, while the girl, riding pillion, held onto the parcel.

I wondered what must be going on through her head. As a kid, how it must feel knowing that they cannot have the hot treat that's right in their hands, with all that aroma. I suppose that must have been her early exposure to the class divide - something that the staff lady who gave her a chocolate out of her own pocket must be quite used to by now. Perhaps that's why those who have less are more compassionate towards others than those who have more - they know how it feels.