In the poignant tale "The Glass of Milk," a young stowaway, cast adrift from a ship, wanders aimlessly through the bustling port in search of work to quell the gnawing hunger in his belly. For three long days, he has gone without a morsel, yet pride keeps him from accepting a sailor's charity, watching enviously as a flamboyantly dressed vagabond devours the offered meal. Chance smiles upon him when he secures a job unloading a ship. At the end of the first grueling day, he nervously asks for his wages, only to be told by the foreman that payment will come once the task is complete. When offered an advance as a gesture of goodwill, the young man, stubborn in his resolve, declines.

Eventually, his hunger becomes an unbearable torment, driving him to a cafe with a daring plan to dine and dash. Indifferent to the possible consequences, he seeks out a quiet milk bar. Waiting for the other patrons to depart, he slips inside and claims a solitary seat. He orders milk and wafers, satisfying his craving. Yet, as he consumes the meager fare, tears betray his stoic facade. The empathetic woman behind the counter notices and graciously offers him more milk and cookies. After he finishes, he slips away without settling the bill, initially determined to make amends. But as he strolls back toward the docks, the resolve fades amid the night’s shadows. He finds a spot on a pile of burlap sacks, falling into a restless sleep as the sea whispers its lullaby, the night unfolding its mysteries around him.