Alexander stood apart from it all, pacing while barking orders into his phone, closing deals worth millions. Without noticing, he strode several steps ahead, leaving little Sophie standing alone on the pale stone walkway.
She watched the world with quiet wonder.
From within the busy crowd, a thin figure approached—slowly, cautiously. It was Emily, a homeless girl dressed in faded clothes and oversized shoes. Her face bore the marks of hardship, but her eyes shone with warmth.
“Hi,” she said gently. “My name’s Emily. You look kind of alone. Can I sit with you for a bit?”
Sophie couldn’t answer with words, but her eyes brightened, and a small smile spread across her face. Emily understood immediately.
“That’s okay,” Emily continued softly. “You don’t have to talk. I can tell you stories. You just listen.”
Sophie let out a silent giggle. For the first time in her young life, someone wasn’t looking at her with pity. Someone simply saw her.
After a moment, Emily reached into her worn jacket and carefully pulled out a tiny glass bottle filled with thick golden liquid glowing in the sunlight.