I was 22 years old, without a vehicle and once again walking the six miles home after work around 11 at night. The snow had been falling for a good hour or more. My walk home to my apartment was more or less a straight shot along roads with very little traffic at that time of night.
About 20 minutes into my walk a late 80s model chevy van drove past me and came to a cautious stop a bit ahead of me. I kept my pace steady as I got nearer while staying alert to any possible undesirable scenario that could arise. As I was just about to pass by a man's voice called out from the lowered passenger side window.
"Hey, do you need a ride?"
I stopped and looked to see an older man, looking roughly to be in his late 40s to early 50s seated in behind the wheel and slightly leaning towards me.He had a friendly grin on his face as he protrayed a look of empathy for seeing someone walking through the heavy snow.
"Nah, it's okay. I'm used to walking. I don't have far to go. Thank you though", I replied in an appreciative tone and a half hearted smile.
His smile grew a bit as he responded, "Come on. It's miserable out. Besides, if it's not far that's all the more reason not to waste time getting wet and cold."
Thinking that he seemed friendly and genuine enough I paused, looked ahead of me and the deepening snow and turned back towards him and smiled, "Alright, thanks."
Closing the door as I settled into the front seat, I buckled in as he began to slowly roll forward. I continued my appreciation, "Not many people out at this hour. Thanks again for the ride."
He chuckled a bit, "Absolutely. I usually drive down this way around this time most nights. I think I've seen you walking a few times before. Seeing you out in this weather I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I just kept driving. Besides, you look like you could use something warm in your belly."
"Warm in my belly?' I replied with a bit of confusion, "What, like a late dinner?"
"Haha, something like that", he responded, "How's that sound? Let's get you warmed up, huh?"
"Umm, okay. What do you mean?", I asked.
As if almost disregarding my direct question, he replied "I'm sure you're in no rush to get home. I know a place a little ways ahead. We can get those wet clothes off you and make you feel a lot better, trust me."