“Can I Play for a Plate of Food?” A twelve-year-old homeless girl asks to “play for a meal” in a luxury restaurant — the question made the entire banquet hall laugh, but after the first note, the whole gala for “Opportunities for Teens” fell silent.

Receipts and Repairs

“No dishes tonight,” Leonard said. He turned to the organizer.
“If our mission is opportunity, let’s live it. We’ll fund her conservatory evaluation, lessons, and housing through the youth program you’re featuring.”

Then to Mateo: “And start with a hot meal. Put it on my tab.”