Wanting something from someone with nothing

I’m waiting for a bus on a chilly evening in Portland. A young man walks along NW Everett, barefoot, shirtless, wearing only jeans and a hat.

“Sir, can you help me get some shoes?” he asks.

I almost ask him what happened, why he’s half-naked, but realize just in time that it’s none of my business. My stupid, cruel presumption that he owes an explanation.