I was waiting for the #38 Geary at the corner of Geary and Divisadero, when one of three teenage boys asked me, "Could you spare five dollars so I can get a hamburger."

I was keeping my five dollar bills for servers who take pictures of us at the table because I don't think that's part of their job description, and I want to reward them.  But I really didn't need the five dollars that day--no eating out plans--so I gave him the five dollars.  Then it occurred to me that I didn't want him to get a hamburger.  

"Oh, my goodness!  I forgot!  I don't want you to get a hamburger.  They're the worst thing for animals and the environment.  Please get something else."

"He can get a salad," one of the other boys said.  "or a veggie burger."

He asked me, "Are you a vegan?"

"Yes," I said.

"Now I hate you."

"Then give me back my five dollars."  

I couldn't believe I was losing an opportunity to give him a little lesson.

He said, "We need meat for our bodies."

"That's what a lot of people believe," I said.  I could have said so much more.   I should carry around a flyer showing how animals are treated every day of their lives.

I really failed to rise to this occasion!  

The #38 bus was soon there.