A homeless guy enters an office looking for warmth but instead discovers a life-changing incident that shows the actual nature of individuals around him. Unbeknownst to them, he has the ability to change their future—if they only show a little kindness. Richard approached one of his company’s offices, the chilly air cutting his skin as he tightened his coat. The preceding month had been exhausting and disappointing. He had visited every division of his firm, trying to find someone who still exemplified the ideals he had sought to inculcate. However, he encountered indifference, contempt, or outright rejection each time. This branch represented his final chance. It was run by Tom, a young man whom Richard had nurtured since his undergraduate days.

Richard had poured his knowledge and expertise into Tom, teaching him the ins and outs of the industry. Richard was about to find out if his efforts had been effective. As he moved near the entrance, his thoughts turned to the past. He remembered how his previous visits had been huge occasions. The employees would queue up to meet him with champagne and warm smiles, hoping to please the company’s affluent owner. Lost in his thoughts, Richard didn’t notice the man approaching him until it was too late. They bumped, and the man gave him a nasty look. “Watch where you’re going, you bum!” the man said before disappearing into the structure. Richard did not react. Over the past month, he had grown accustomed to such remarks because he was now simply Richie, a homeless guy yearning for warmth and affection. Richard steeled himself and entered the office, approaching the security officer with the hope that this time would be different. The guard scowled as he watched Richard go up and down. “What do you want, bum?” he inquired rudely. Richard kept his voice calm, saying, “I just need to warm up and maybe get something to eat.” The guard shakes his head. “This is not a homeless shelter.” You need to go. Now.” Richard remained calm. “I’m only asking for some food. Can you call Tom? “I believe he would assist me.” The guard laughed cruelly. “Tom? He’ll kick you out the moment he sees you.” “Please,” Richard said quietly, hoping for a tiny gesture of goodwill. The guard groaned deeply and rolled his eyes, as if the duty were beneath him, before eventually calling Tom. While waiting, Richard considered reclining on the comfortable-looking couch nearby. Just as he approached, the guard yelled, “Don’t even think about it. Stay where you are.” Richard nodded and returned to his position.

Moments thereafter, a young woman entered the premises. She greeted the guard with a warm smile and was going to walk to the elevator when her gaze landed on Richard. She paused, taking in his battered appearance before softening her face. The woman hesitated, her gaze full of apprehension. “Sir, are you okay? “Do you need help?” Richard hesitated. Richard replied, “I just need to warm up, maybe eat, and get some water.” She instantly gave him a bottle of water. “Here, take this.” Allow me to take you to the office. “We have food there.” Richard gazed at the bottle. “But it’s your water,” he said. “It’s not a problem,” she assured him. “Please, come with me.” Richard moved, and the guard stepped in. “Tom said not to let anyone in without his permission.” The woman frowned. “But this man only wants to eat.” “What is your name, sir?” “Richie.” “Richie just wants to eat,” she reiterated. The guard crossed his arms. “Tom is coming down now. Until then, this bum isn’t leaving.” The woman’s expression tightened. “How disrespectful! He is a human just like you and me. Why should he be treated differently? Before the guard could answer, the elevator doors opened, and Tom stepped out, agitated. “What’s going on here?” he insisted. Richard spoke gently. “Good afternoon, Sir.” I just wanted to warm up and eat.” Tom’s face curled with contempt. “Do I look like a volunteer?” Get away from here! Now! You’re damaging the company’s reputation.” What happens if a client discovers a rude person in the office? The woman attempted to reason. She said, “But Tom, he just wants to eat.” Tom abruptly turned on her. “What’s it to you, Lindsay? You’re only an assistant! ” Get back to work!” Without waiting for an answer, Tom yelled at the guard. “Get him out.” “And you,” he said, gesturing at the woman, “follow me.” As she passed Richard, she swiftly muttered, “Go to the back entrance.” “I will take you to lunch.” Richard barely had time to nod when the guard grabbed his arm and shoved him toward the door, sending him out into the freezing street without a second thought. Richard approached the rear entrance, trembling slightly due to the cold. After a few minutes, the same woman who had assisted him before appeared, smiling warmly. Let’s go. There’s a decent little eatery nearby. “It’s not fancy, but the food is delicious,” she replied, gesturing toward the street. Richard followed her, thankful for her compassion. “I don’t know how to say thank you. “Lindsay, right?” he inquired, attempting to recall her name. She grinned and shook her head. “My name is Nancy. Tom never gets things right. Every day, he gives me a new name. I suppose he believes it’s simpler that way. But there’s no reason to thank me. “It is the least I can do.”

They strolled in quiet for a few seconds before reaching the modest eatery. The waiters looked at them with disapproval, but Nancy didn’t seem to care. She guided Richard to a table and sat across from him. “Order whatever you want; it’s my treat,” she remarked, sliding the menu towards him. Richard hesitated before asking, “Thank you.” Do they pay you well enough so that you can easily buy food for a stranger?” Nancy groaned as her smile faded somewhat. “Not really.” When I interviewed, Tom promised me a significantly greater income. However, he eventually concluded that it was too much for a lady just out of university.” Richard tightened his hands beneath the table, rage seething within him. Tom had become someone Richard no longer recognized. Nancy noted his look and quickly replied, “But it’s no major issue to treat you. My grandma always told me that kindness brings its own reward. Even if it isn’t, I enjoy assisting.” Nancy reddened slightly and muttered, “Oh, that probably sounded insulting.” “I did not mean to…” Richard crossed the table to gently interrupt her. “It’s okay. I need assistance, and your grandma was a clever woman. Nancy smiled genuinely as she grabbed her wallet and paid for the full dinner without hesitation. She then suggested Richard take some extra food to go, neatly wrapping it and delivering it to him with a charming smile. Richard hesitated but embraced her generosity, experiencing a warmth he hadn’t had in a long time. When he glanced at the young woman, he saw not only kindness but a true heart. At that moment, Richard recognized he had finally discovered what he had been looking for all along—someone who genuinely cared. Nancy entered the workplace with her usual resolution to face another day of Tom’s taunts. But something was different. Hurried whispering replaced the customary buzz of conversation. People clustered in tiny groups, their expressions strained. Nancy sought out a trustworthy coworker after noticing something amiss. “What’s going on?” Nancy said, attempting to keep her voice calm. Her coworker gazed at her, wide-eyed with surprise. “The company’s owner died. Because he has no children, no one knows who will inherit the company.”Nancy felt a shiver go down her spine. “What does that mean for us?” “Tom thinks he’s next in line,” her coworker stated. “He was the owner’s protégé, after all. We are all waiting for the lawyer to appear and settle things out.” As if on cue, the elevator doors slid open, and the lawyer emerged. Tom, looking delighted, ran forward to greet him, nearly obstructing his way. The lawyer did not even acknowledge Tom’s enthusiasm. “I’m not here for idle talk,” he stated, his tone sharp. “I need to see Nancy.” The workplace grew silent as all eyes focused on Nancy. She felt her heart racing, unsure why she was now the focus of attention. “Me?” she said, just above a whisper. The lawyer looked at her. “Are you Nancy?” “Yeah,” she muttered, her uncertainty intensifying. “Then you’re the one I need to speak with. Can we talk about this privately? Nancy was stunned and nodded as she led the lawyer into the meeting room. As soon as the door closed behind them, she couldn’t stop asking questions. “I don’t understand what’s happening.” The lawyer’s expression was unreadable. “You are the new owner of the firm. Congratulations.” “WHAT?!” Nancy’s words boomed across the small room, louder than she meant. The lawyer gently placed a packet on the table. “Sign this paperwork that Richard signed. The company is yours.” “But I don’t understand.” “Why me?” Nancy felt overwhelmed. “Richard bequeathed the company to you,” the lawyer explained, digging inside his suitcase. “Oh, and there’s a letter, too—I almost forgot.” He handed Nancy the letter, and she tore it open, hungry for answers. “Dear Nancy, Six months ago, I learned that I was dying. It was a shock, and to be honest, I’ve held on for longer than I expected. What kept me going and gave me the courage to keep going was the worrying idea that I had no one to leave my company with. I had no wife or children, at least none that I knew of. The future of the firm I had founded from the bottom up was unknown, and this weighed heavily on me. About a month ago, I made a decision. I decided to visit each branch of my firm to see whether anybody could continue what I had started. However, I was reluctant to reveal my identity as the owner. I disguised myself as a destitute guy in order to see the genuine nature of those who worked for me. I wanted to know who they truly were and how they treated others who appeared to have nothing. To be honest, I was deeply disappointed. Nobody would even allow me in the door. The warmth and respect I had hoped for were lacking, and I nearly gave up hope. That is, until I met you. Nancy, you and your kindness have restored my faith. Despite your youth and inexperience, I sense in you a compassionate heart and an unwavering spirit. These are the attributes that are most important, regardless of talent or expertise. Please stay true to yourself. Lead the company with love and knowledge, and the rest will fall into place as you go. Yours sincerely, Richard (also known as Richie). P.S. Your first responsibility as new owner is to dismiss Tom and rename him, Timmy.” Please share your thoughts on this story with friends. It could motivate them and make their day better. If you liked this tale, read this one. While serving at a wedding, I noticed the groom—my husband, David. Seeing him with another woman pretending to be someone else completely upended my life. In that instant, everything I thought I understood about my life was turned on its head.