The hot piece of baguette in my worn out duffel bag warmed my back.<\/p>\n
Its tantalizing aroma warmed my mind with the prospect of a full belly.<\/p>\n
The kind words, warm demeanor, of the sales lady at the bakery, and the way she served me with goodwill, warmed my soul.<\/p>\n
I only had 45 cents.<\/p>\n
I had been too ashamed to enter the bakery to buy bread because I knew I did not have enough money.<\/p>\n
I had walked for quite a while, scanning the ground, looking for a coin to add to the little money I had.<\/p>\n
It was getting late, and I was anxious to get something to eat.<\/p>\n
I gathered courage and entered the bakery.<\/p>\n
“How much is a baguette,” I asked the baker, terrified I would make a fool of myself.<\/p>\n
“85 cents” she replied.<\/p>\n
“Is it possible to buy half?” I ventured.<\/p>\n
“Definitely yes, would you like a piece?” she asked me.<\/p>\n
“Yes please” I responded with joy.<\/p>\n
“Happy new year” I shyly added as I gave her 45 cents for the bread.<\/p>\n
She looked at me and with a big warm smile and wished me a happy new year.<\/p>\n
I left with a spring in my steps.<\/p>\n
It is a happy new year because tonight I have a warm piece of bread and I was welcomed and served with respect.<\/p>\n
I am full, despite the rumbling in my belly.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The hot piece of baguette in my worn out duffel bag warmed my back. Its tantalizing aroma warmed my mind with the prospect of a full belly. The kind words, warm demeanor, of the sales lady at the bakery, and the way she served me with goodwill, warmed my soul. I only had 45 cents. … <\/p>\n