The story portrays a confrontation between a person offering money and a homeless individual, with the former dangling $100 in front of the latter as an incentive to walk a few steps to receive it. The homeless person initially follows but becomes frustrated, realizing that the situation is degrading and refuses to continue, feeling humiliated by the interaction. The individual offering the money belittles the homeless person's need, suggesting that begging for food is more humiliating than following the steps for cash. The story ends with a tense standoff, reflecting the homeless person's desire to maintain some dignity despite their vulnerable situation.