Taking a shortcut through an alleyway whilst running an errand, the protagonist, a young family man, overhears a heated argument which begins to escalate. As he decides what to do, things turn nasty, and one of the men in the argument gets stabbed. Also in the alleyway, concealed beneath his makeshift bed, is a homeless drifter. He is threatened and beaten, at which point, the timid protagonist finds the courage to step in and stop the murderer. The murderer then chases him away, giving the drifter time to escape. The protagonist gives the murderer the slip and returns home as if nothing happened. Traumatised by the experience and the guilt of not helping the first man, he experiences nightmares and flashbacks. He decides to perform an act of good will, getting the drifter out of the dangerous environment, but puts himself in danger again.