"This..." he said softly, holding out her lost shoe.

Sarah hesitated before taking it, brushing off the wet sand. She stood up, still flustered.

"Ah, um... thank you so much," she said.

"Don’t mention it." He extended his palm toward her.

She blinked, unsure of what he wanted. When his expression remained expectant, she hesitantly clapped her hand against his, misunderstanding his gesture.

His face fell slightly. "Boss always says—help whoever you can, but never waste your talent for ...