I was 16 when I first snuck out. It was 2 A.M. and I could not fall asleep. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling when I got a text message from my friend, Matt. Matt was two years older than me and always had a knowing grin on his face, as if he knew something you didn't. He asked me if I wanted to go and do something. I knew instantly that I would say yes, no matter where it was. That was me, I knew: always adventurous.

We ended up riding the train to Queens and watching as the blurred dots of city lights passed us by. We browsed record stores and watched kids our age throw fireworks at the sky. We really are the city that never sleeps.

Before we went home, we decided to stop at a McDonald's to get something to eat. At the entrance, a homeless man kept asking strangers for food. I couldn't help but feel pity for the poor man when I saw the ratty clothes he was wearing, and the sunken eyes that were begging. Matt didn't say a word, but he did something that made me look at him in a new light. When we ordered our food, he ordered more than usual. He ended up not eating a cheeseburger, fries, and a soda. He put them in a bag which I thought he was saving for later. Instead, he gave it to the homeless man.

The man practically tackled Matt in a hug and said a tearful thank you. I'll always respect Matt for that kind action. After another long train ride, we finally made it back home at 8 A.M. I went to bed thinking that maybe I'll finally fall asleep.