It was a bright Tuesday afternoon when Tom noticed something unusual during lunch break at school. All around him, children were unwrapping sandwiches, opening juice boxes, and trading snacks. But just off to the side, on the edge of the bench, sat Mia, a quiet classmate with long dark braids.

Her hands were folded neatly in her lap. No lunch bag. No food. No smile.

Tom frowned. He had never seen Mia without her lunch before. Gathering courage, he scooted over and asked, “Hey… aren’t you eating today?”

Mia shook her head. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper.

“My mom’s in the hospital,” she said. “She usually makes my lunch. Dad’s working two jobs right now. Nobody had time to pack one.”

Tom’s chest tightened. He looked down at his own lunch — a peanut butter sandwich, a shiny red apple, and a small juice box. He thought about how hungry she must feel, watching everyone else eat.

Without hesitation, he tore his sandwich neatly in half. “Here,” he said, sliding it toward her. He placed the apple in front of her too, and pushed the juice box across the table.

Mia’s eyes widened. “But… then you won’t have enough.”

Tom shrugged. “I’ll be fine. We can share. That way, neither of us is hungry.”

For a moment, Mia hesitated. Then, slowly, she picked up the half sandwich, her eyes shining with gratitude. Together, they ate in comfortable silence.

By the time lunch ended, Mia’s cheeks had regained their color. She even laughed when Tom cracked a silly joke. On the playground afterward, her giggles mixed with the shouts of other kids — like sunshine breaking through clouds.

As the bell rang, Mia waved. “If I get a lunchbox tomorrow,” she called brightly, “I’ll share with you!”

Tom grinned back. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but he was glad she didn’t feel alone anymore.