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.

She agreed. The dinner went warmly. Jack turned out to be a wonderful storyteller, and Lily quickly befriended him.

Emma watched them and suddenly caught herself thinking that she hadn’t felt so light and calm in a long time. Maybe this is what she needed. Over time, their relationship grew from friendship into something more.

But this time, Emma wasn’t afraid. She knew she could handle any difficulties, because the years behind her had taught her the main thing—never give up. Jack became part of their family.

He accepted Lily as his own, and Emma found what she had lacked so much—a reliable shoulder and sincere support. Together they made plans for the future, and one day Jack suggested Emma open her own children’s clothing brand. Now her life was full…

Her favorite work, her beloved person, and the most precious, her daughter, who became happier every day. Emma knew her story started with pain and hardships, but that’s what made her strong. And ahead awaited a life full of new opportunities.

Emma had long stopped looking back at the past, but sometimes life surprisingly reminded her of what she had gone through. Her brand, which she named «Lily’s Wings,» became a symbol of her path, from despair to success. The workshop grew into a full-fledged studio, and Emma’s products could now be found in stores across the country.

One day, at a large children’s clothing exhibition, a young woman approached her booth. Her eyes shone with delight as she examined the fancy dresses and tiny overalls. «Do you create all this?» she asked with admiration.

«Yes,» Emma smiled, habitually explaining how her team works. But at some point, the woman suddenly fell silent, staring at Emma. «Sorry, but I saw you in an article.

You’re that Emma who started everything from scratch after…» She stopped, realizing she was prying. Emma nodded, showing neither offense nor embarrassment.

She was used to such questions. Her life story had appeared in the media several times as an example of inspiring success. «It’s true.

But I always say, the main thing is not what you start with, but how you continue,» she answered with a warm smile. The next day, returning home from the exhibition, Emma saw an old familiar place—the hospital where her new life once began. She involuntarily slowed her steps.

At the entrance stood a young girl with a child in her arms. She looked just as lost as Emma once had. Emma stopped, remembering the feelings that had overwhelmed her then.

She approached closer and spoke softly. «Hello. Do you need help?»

The girl raised her eyes, surprised by the stranger’s attention. She tried to smile, but it came out only a sad semblance. «I don’t know.

I have nowhere to go,» she said quietly, as if afraid of being judged. Emma nodded, as if she knew this answer in advance. She sat nearby, looking into the eyes of the baby who was peacefully sleeping in her mother’s arms.

«I was once in your place. If you want, I can help you,» she offered. The girl looked at her with distrust, but something in Emma’s tone made her trust.

Together they went to a small cafe, where Emma listened to her story. The girl’s name was Katie, and she was in a similar situation. A child, betrayal, loneliness.

Emma understood every word, every emotion. «You’re not alone,» she said firmly at the end of the conversation. «We’ll find a way out…