The grandmother paused, surprise flickering across her face. It had been so long since someone had referred to her with such politeness and concern. She nodded, though it was clear she was anything but okay.

With a sense of purpose beyond his years, Leo put down his bag of candy and bent down to the grandmother’s level. “Can I help you, please?” he asked. His sincerity was palpable.

The woman gave a small, grateful smile, a single tear escaping down her weathered cheek. “Thank you, dear,” she whispered, her voice cracking slightly.