The wealthy businessman comes back to his residence and is stunned to discover his recently hired African-American housekeeper and his sole child in the kitchen area…

Nia watched them both and exhaled, slowly. The tension in her back loosened, her arms finally fell to her sides. For a long time, she had felt like a ghost in this house, someone whose care existed only in shadows.

But now, in this moment, she was visible, valued. Later that night, after Lucas had fallen asleep in his father’s lap, Grant stepped into the hallway to find Nia wiping the stove. She turned as he approached.

I know this wasn’t the job you expected, he said. It’s not, she agreed, but it’s the job I needed. He nodded.

If you ever want something more, training, school, whatever, you’ll have my support. Just promise me one thing. What’s that? Don’t stop being who you were today.

For him. Nia smiled, tired but real. I won’t.

I couldn’t if I tried. As Grant walked back toward the living room, he paused and looked over his shoulder. Nia? Yes? Thank you.

For saving my son. She didn’t answer with words. She just nodded, once, and turned back to the stove, where a new pot of rice had just begun to simmer.