«Lisa, that’s the problem. I can’t find anything good in my life. It’s been one misfortune after another since I was born.
I’m an orphan, spent my whole life in an orphanage, lost my best friend. Now I live in a rundown room with holes in the walls and no repairs ever done. How can I think of anything good? I’m used to expecting the worst from people.
I know I need to change, but I don’t know how.» Lisa nodded sympathetically. «You’ve had a tough life, no doubt about it.
But if you keep focusing on the bad, it’ll keep sticking to you. Look, your room’s old, that’s bad, sure. But you don’t have to pay rent.
That’s a plus. So let’s start with small steps, and I’ll help you. I’ll come over this weekend, and we’ll put up new wallpaper,» Lisa offered.
«I’ve got some spare curtains and a couple of blankets I can bring. With a bit of coziness, your mood will improve. And start dreaming about a good guy, picture what he’ll be like.
You’ll start smiling more. Don’t be sad, Emily.» Little by little, with her coworker’s support, Emily began to open up.
She started smiling at customers, talking to them more confidently and freely. Lisa kept her word, helped fix up the room, and from that moment, Emily’s life slowly started to improve. She began imagining her future husband—tall, fit, with kind eyes and strong arms.
In her mind, she saw them dancing, him gently holding and kissing her. Those dreams warmed her heart, and one day, as if by magic, that prince from her dreams appeared at the restaurant’s door. When Emily saw him, her heart raced.
She served him lunch with graceful poise, flashing a dazzling smile and barely containing her excitement. The guy smiled back and winked. «Miss, you have to help me!» he said with a playful grin.
Emily, taking his words seriously, got flustered. «Of course, how can I help? Are you okay? We have a first-aid kit in the kitchen, I can get it.» The guy laughed even harder and said, «I’ve just been struck by Cupid’s arrow, and I won’t survive unless you give me your phone number.
My name’s James. What’s yours?» Emily blushed to the roots of her hair and shyly replied, «I’m Emily, nice to meet you, but why do you need my number?» James admitted honestly, «I want to invite you to the movies tonight. Don’t deny me the pleasure of spending time with such a charming girl.»
That’s how their story began. James was polite, gallant, and caring. They strolled through the city at night, kissed under the stars, and it felt like they were in some magical world.
Emily realized she’d found her prince, the one she’d waited for her whole life. With him, she felt warm and safe.
At first, she felt awkward, unsure how to behave in theaters or at exhibitions. But James was patient, gently introducing her to a new world, helping her shed her shyness. The world around her seemed full of exciting discoveries.
James was surprised she’d never even been to a zoo. He loved watching her pet animals with childlike delight, feed a donkey by hand, and take pictures with a giant snake. Every bouquet he gave her sparked genuine joy, and she absolutely adored her beloved.
But one thought nagged at her. «James, what if your parents don’t accept that I’m an orphan? I don’t have money or a college degree, and you’re from a business family. They’ll probably be against us.»
James hugged her tightly and reassured her. «Don’t worry, sweetheart, it’ll be fine. My dad’s a simple guy; he came from nothing, grew up in a rough family, and built everything with his own hard work.
My mom’s from a small town, too, so you’ll definitely win them over.» Emily was incredibly nervous before meeting his parents, practically trembling with fear. But they welcomed her warmly.
Instead of the expected luxury, she found a cozy, unpretentious home. James’s parents, Robert and Susan, were down-to-earth and kind. Robert was an intelligent man with a neat gray beard.
Susan looked modest, too, in a casual outfit with minimal makeup and her hair in a simple bun—no signs of ostentatious wealth.
Emily wanted to make a good impression and baked a homemade layered cake. She worried they wouldn’t like it, assuming they were used to fancy desserts. But her fears were unfounded.
They ate the cake with relish and even praised it. For Emily, it was like balm for her soul. At the end of the evening, when Emily offered to help Susan with the dishes, Susan was touched.
«That’s what I call a daughter-in-law, not afraid of work. I respect that. I’m the same way,» she said with a smile.
«We don’t have maids, though we could afford them. But Robert and I believe family is a quiet, cozy world with no room for outsiders. A man should provide for the family, and a woman should keep the home warm and support her husband.»
Emily realized with relief that she’d not only pleased her future in-laws but also found true understanding and support in their home. «You’re a good, humble girl, and I’m sure you and James will be a happy family,» Susan said gently, easing Emily’s worries.
After months of romance and passionate dates, James proposed, and she accepted without hesitation. Today was the long-awaited day—their wedding.
Radiating happiness, the newlyweds stepped out of the courthouse. Emily couldn’t take her eyes off the sparkling wedding ring on her finger. They climbed into a luxurious white limousine, ready to head to the restaurant where friends and family awaited.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the car window. Surprised, Emily lowered the glass and saw a little girl, about seven, with sad eyes and tattered clothes. The girl held out a small bouquet of daisies and timidly asked, «Ma’am, would you buy a bouquet for good luck? It’s cheap, just five bucks.»
Emily’s heart clenched, and she immediately pulled out money to buy the flowers, but something else caught her attention. The girl had braids with an intricate pattern and bright ribbons. Only one person Emily knew could braid like that—her long-lost friend Sarah.
It was too strange a coincidence. Her heart skipped a beat. *My God, what kind of coincidence is this?* she thought.
The braids were exactly like the ones Sarah used to do in their childhood. That skill was rare, and even in the orphanage, Sarah joked it was her superpower. But Emily stopped herself. *It’s impossible; people don’t just come back from the dead.*
Still, unease wouldn’t let go. She looked at the girl more closely, searching for any clue, but decided not to jump to conclusions. In a daze, Emily stepped out of the limousine and gently pulled the girl aside.
«Sweetie, what’s your name? And where’s your mom?» she asked, trying to calm her anxiety. The girl, a bit scared, answered softly, «My name’s Hannah.
I’m seven. I live with my mom, but she’s sick and barely gets out of bed. We don’t have a dad, and Mom says he’s a pilot on an expedition, but I don’t believe her.
I think he just left us. So now I sell these bouquets to save money for Mom’s surgery. I really want her to get better.»
Hannah lowered her eyes, and Emily felt her heart tighten. This little girl felt so familiar somehow. «I live nearby, in the second house with the red roof,» Hannah added.
Emily nodded thoughtfully, then said with a gentle smile, «You know what, Hannah? I’ll come visit you in a couple of days. Is that okay? I’d like to meet your mom and see if I can help.» «Sure, Miss Emily.
Please come, I’ll be waiting!» the girl replied with genuine joy. Emily hugged her goodbye and returned to the limousine. Her heart was restless; could this be tied to her past? Could her dear friend Sarah still be alive?
Her heart pounded anxiously as a hundred unanswered questions swirled in her mind. James noticed his bride’s unease. «Honey, what’s wrong?» he asked softly, hugging her.
«What were you talking about with that girl?» Emily, trembling, replied, «It’s a long story, James. I’ll tell you later.
She just reminded me of my past. But today’s not the day for sad thoughts. It’s our celebration.
Let’s head to the restaurant,» she said, kissing her husband in gratitude for his support. The wedding was magnificent, and an unforgettable wedding night awaited the newlyweds. For a few days after, Emily lived in a state of pure bliss, inseparable from James.
She savored every moment, feeling her life was now filled with love and warmth. But once the honeymoon ended and routine returned, Emily remembered her promise and decided to visit her new little friend. With a racing heart, she approached the familiar house, rang the doorbell, and, getting no answer, knocked.
In the silence, only a small dog yapped from the backyard. An elderly neighbor came out, eyeing Emily carefully. «You here for Sarah?» she asked. «They took her to the hospital yesterday.»
She was feeling awful, so they sent her to City General.» Emily’s heart clenched again. «And Hannah? Where’s the girl?» she asked, her voice trembling.
The woman sighed heavily, looking at Emily with pity. «Hannah’s with me. She’s asleep now.
She’s got nowhere else to go; her mom’s in bad shape. Sarah’s got cancer, last stage. If anything happens, they’ll have to send the girl to an orphanage.
It breaks my heart. What a cruel fate.» Emily swallowed hard, trying to hold back her emotions.
«What’s Sarah’s last name? I want to visit her in the hospital,» she asked, feeling her anxiety grow. «She’s Sarah Thompson. If you go, take her some treats from me,» the neighbor said, turning toward her house.
A minute later, she returned with a bag of apples, cookies, and a bottle of juice. Emily grabbed the bag and rushed to the hospital. Inside, she was burning with worry.