Even though my black coffee had gone lukewarm fifteen minutes ago, I took a long sip, barely tasting it. My mind was crowded with overdue bills, unanswered emails, and a heavy tension I couldn’t shake. My four-year-old son, Nolan, tugged at my sleeve and asked softly, “Milkshake?”It was such a small request, yet it felt like a lifeline. I looked at the pile of bills and the ringing phone, then smiled and said, “Yeah, buddy. Let’s go get that milkshake.”
We drove to O’Malley’s Diner, a place stuck in time with its faded booths and broken jukebox, but the best milkshakes around. Nolan excitedly climbed into the booth and ordered his usual cherry-vanilla, no whip. I didn’t order anything; the milkshake wasn’t really for me.As we waited, I noticed a little boy sitting alone nearby. Without hesitation, Nolan quietly left our booth, walked over, and sat next to him. Then, with the pure innocence only a child has, he shared his milkshake — one straw between two strangers.