Hungry, with a child in her arms, she decided to ask a stranger for money. What he handed her made the woman’s hair stand on end.

Come in, no need to freeze on the street.» So she ended up in this man’s apartment. He turned out to be a retired artist living alone.

His name was Arthur Reynolds, and despite his age, he had an amazing energy. He quickly made tea, got sandwiches from the fridge, and caringly offered Emma and her daughter to stay with him for the night. «Thank you,» whispered Emma, feeling the tension slowly fade.

«Thank you so much.» She put her daughter in an old cradle that Arthur found in the attic, and finally could sleep peacefully for the first time in a long while. In the morning, Emma woke up to the quiet cooing of her daughter.

She opened her eyes and saw Arthur Reynolds, slightly hunched, rocking the cradle. His face shone with kindness, and a light smile played on his lips. «Good morning,» he said quietly, noticing she was awake.

«Sleep a bit more, I’ll handle it here.» Emma sat up in bed, embarrassedly smoothing her hair. She still couldn’t believe someone showed her such sincere care.

But she couldn’t lie there longer. «Thank you,» she said, «but I can’t abuse your hospitality anymore. My daughter and I will go.»

Arthur Reynolds turned to her in surprise. «Where will you go, girl? Look at yourself. You have no money, no roof over your head.

Stay here until you figure it all out. And honestly, a little company makes everything more fun.»

Emma almost cried but held back. She knew this world was harsh and rarely gave second chances. And here was her chance.

She smiled and nodded. In the following days, Arthur Reynolds became something like a mentor to Emma. He showed her his paintings, told about his youth, about his wife who had passed away a few years ago.

He had no children, and he didn’t hide that the appearance of Emma and her daughter had saved him from loneliness. But Emma understood she couldn’t depend on this man’s kindness forever. Her thoughts were constantly occupied with plans on where to find work, how to provide for the child.

She remembered telling the doctor in the hospital that she could knit. «Maybe try that.» Arthur Reynolds, one evening she turned to him.

«Do you know where I can buy yarn? I’m pretty good at knitting. I could make something to sell.» He thought, then suddenly slapped his knee.

«Of course. I have a friend in the city center. She has a craft store.

I’ll take you there tomorrow.» So began a new chapter in Emma’s life. Arthur Reynolds not only introduced her to the store owner but also helped arrange the first orders.

Emma knitted through the nights, creating tiny booties, bright hats, and even cozy blankets. Work distracted her from worries, and small successes gave her strength to move forward. After a few months, Emma managed to save a small amount.

She turned to Arthur Reynolds again. «I found a room for rent. Not far from here.

Thank you for everything, but I can’t be a burden to you anymore.» He looked at her seriously, almost sternly. «Emma, you’re not a burden.

You and your little one have made my life brighter. But if you’ve decided, then so be it. Just know, the door to my house is always open for you.»

They moved to a small but cozy room. Emma continued working, and Lily, that’s what she named her daughter, grew healthy and cheerful. Emma felt she was slowly but surely regaining control over her life.

And although the past sometimes reminded her with painful memories, she knew the main thing was not to give up. Because now she wasn’t alone. She had a goal for which she was ready to move mountains.

Another year passed. Emma turned from a scared girl into a confident young woman. Her knitting became a real mini-business, orders came not only from the city but also from neighboring states….

She even started a social media page where she posted photos of her works and shared about life with her daughter. People began following her story, inspired by her resilience. One morning, when Lily was already standing firmly on her feet and happily stomping around the room, Emma got an unexpected call.

The number was unfamiliar, but something told her it was important. She answered. «Emma? This is Arthur Reynolds.

I was thinking. I have an old sewing machine in the attic. Was going to throw it out, but then remembered you said you dreamed of sewing.

Maybe it’ll come in handy?» Emma smiled, pressing the phone to her ear. Arthur Reynolds continued to be her guardian angel. «Of course it will.

Thank you so much, you have no idea how timely this is.» The next day, she went for the machine. Arthur met her at the door with such enthusiasm, as if waiting for his own granddaughter.

Entering the apartment, Emma noticed he looked a bit more energetic than before. Apparently, he was also pleased to keep in touch. The sewing machine opened new horizons for her.

Now Emma sewed not only for herself but also on order. She created cute overalls for babies, stylish dresses for girls, and even cozy blankets that became a real hit. One day, checking her social media messages, Emma came across a letter.

The sender’s name made her freeze—Ethan. Her hands trembled for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. She opened the message and started reading.

«Emma, hi. I hope you remember me. I want to apologize for everything that happened.

I need to talk to you. Can we meet?» Her heart squeezed. Why now? After everything she went through, why did he decide to appear? Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Before, she would have rushed to him, hoping for a miracle. But now she was different. She decided not to reply right away…