‘I Asked the Cabby to Pull Over at the Next Open Bodega We Passed’

Trunk Treats

Dear Diary:

Throughout my 20s, I lived alone in Manhattan. I had two cats, siblings I adopted as kittens. Between my work schedule and going out, I knew there would be times when they needed each other for company.

One night when I was coming home late, it was not until I was in a cab that I realized I had forgotten to get my very particular cats their preferred food. I asked the cabby to pull over at the next open bodega we passed so I could buy some.

He refused my request, saying that it was not necessary to stop.

I didn’t argue, figuring I would just walk to the local late-night spot several blocks away when I got home.

After stopping in front of my building, I got out of the cab and so did the driver. He opened the trunk and there it was: a full case of cat food. He handed me two cans.

“No charge,” he said.

It was my cats’ favorite brand.

— Robin Hoffmann