“If you carry me up the stairs, I’ll tell you a secret,” said the sick Little Girl — the mechanic’s hair stood on end when he heard THIS…

Tyler studied the little girl’s determined expression. There was something about her that reminded him of his own daughter, who lived far away with her mother. The same stubborn kindness, the same earnest way of speaking.
 
“All right, Sophie,” he agreed. “I accept your offer.” Tyler gathered his tools with one hand and carefully lifted Sophie with the other.
 
She was lighter than he expected, settling against his shoulder with complete trust. As they climbed the stairs together, Sophie pointed out things along the way. “The window where Mrs. Chen always had flowers.
 
The door where Mr. Peterson played his violin each evening.” Each detail revealed how closely she observed the world around her. “You know everyone in this building,” Tyler commented as they reached the third floor.
 
“Grandma says it is important to notice people,” Sophie replied. “She says everyone has a story worth knowing.” When they reached the fourth floor, Sophie directed him to apartment 4B.
 
The door opened before they could knock, revealing a woman in her 70s with silver hair and worried eyes. “Sophie, there you are,” the woman said, relief flooding her voice. Then she noticed Tyler.
 
“Oh, hello. I am Eleanor, Sophie’s grandmother.” “Tyler Matthews, ma’am,” he replied, gently setting Sophie down.
 
“I gave Sophie a ride up the stairs. The elevator seems to be acting up again.” Eleanor’s expression softened with gratitude.
 
“That was very kind of you. Sophie has been having some health challenges lately, and the stairs can be difficult for her.” Sophie tugged on Tyler’s jacket…