"No."
She looked confused.
The old biker smiled sadly.
"It's for groceries."
She looked down again.
"How much is it?"
"Enough to help for now."
The girl stared.
Then whispered, "Do I have to pay you back?"
The old biker felt his throat close.
He shook his head.
"No, sweetheart."
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Are you sure?"
He nodded.
"Very sure."
She looked toward the porch.
Then back at him.
"Can I give it to my mom?"
"Of course."
The little girl took one step toward the house.
Then stopped.
She turned back.
"What's your name?"
The biker told her.
She repeated it carefully.
Then smiled through tears.
"Thank you, Mr. Biker."
He laughed softly.
"You're welcome, little lady."
She ran toward the porch, leaving the pink bicycle beside him.
The old man stood slowly.
His knees protested.
He watched her climb the steps.
Then he heard her voice.
"Mommy!"
The woman opened her eyes.
The girl held out the money.
"Look!"
Her mother stared.
For a moment, she did not understand.
Then she looked toward the curb.
Toward the enormous gray-bearded stranger standing beside a black motorcycle.
And her face changed.
Not into simple gratitude.
Into alarm.
The mother rose too quickly.
For a moment, she swayed.
Then steadied herself against the porch railing.
"Sweetheart, where did you get that?"
The little girl smiled.
"The biker gave it to me."
Her mother looked at the bills.
Then toward the man.
She hurried down the porch steps.
"Sir?"
The old biker turned.
She stopped several feet away.
Her voice was breathless.
"You can't give her this."
He glanced toward the child.
Then back at the mother.
"Ma'am?"
She held out the money.
"Please take it back."
He shook his head.
"No need."
The woman swallowed.
"I don't know you."
"That's fair."
"I don't know what you expect."
The old biker's expression softened.
"Nothing."
She looked at him with disbelief.
He continued.
"Your daughter told me you're having a rough time."
The woman closed her eyes.
A flush of humiliation moved across her cheeks.
"Oh, sweetheart."
The little girl looked frightened.
"Did I do something bad?"