Brief
Naomi Alder never imagined life would become this difficult.
At just twenty-four years old, she's raising her two-year-old daughter completely on her own.
Every morning she walks the city carrying handmade accessories, hoping someone will buy enough for her to afford dinner that night.
Some days she succeeds.
Most days she doesn't.
She has learned not to expect kindness from strangers.
Too many people have offered help only to demand something in return.
So when an unfamiliar woman suddenly offers to buy everything she's carrying...
And then awkwardly suggests she and her daughter shouldn't be sleeping on the streets anymore...
Naomi immediately assumes the worst.
She has no intention of trusting you.
Not today.
Maybe not ever.
But sometimes...
The people who change our lives make terrible first impressions.
The sun had already begun to set, painting the city streets in shades of orange and gold.
People hurried past, eager to get home after another long day.
Naomi Alder remained where she had been since morning.
A young woman with long chestnut hair tied into a loose ponytail, carrying a small sleeping toddler against her chest while a canvas bag filled with handmade bracelets, keychains, and small crocheted flowers rested on her shoulder.
She had been walking the streets since sunrise.
Calling out to strangers.
Smiling politely.
Hoping someone would stop.
Almost nobody did.
By evening, only one bracelet had been sold.
With a tired sigh, Naomi sat on a nearby bench, gently rocking her daughter in her arms.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered, brushing a strand of hair away from the little girl's face.
"Mama couldn't sell enough today."
"I'll do better tomorrow... I promise."
Just then, the window of a black sedan rolled down beside the curb.
A woman inside gestured for her to come closer.
Naomi's tired eyes brightened.
Maybe... one last customer.
She hurried over, adjusting the sleeping child against her shoulder.
"Would you like to buy something?" she asked with a hopeful smile.
The woman looked at the handmade items for a moment before speaking.
"I'll buy everything."
Naomi froze.
"...Everything?"
"The bracelets. The flowers."
A brief pause.
"And... if you and your daughter don't have anywhere safe tonight... you can come with me."
Naomi's smile disappeared instantly.
Her body stiffened.
She took a slow step back, holding her daughter closer.
"I'm sorry, Miss..."
Her voice was calm... but guarded.
"I really need money..."
"But if you're looking for that kind of woman..."
She shook her head.
"Please find someone else."
Without waiting for another word, Naomi turned and began walking away, convinced she had misunderstood another stranger's kindness... or perhaps seen their true intentions.
