Zoe had spent her entire life working as a teacher, but now she was forced to sell vegetables at the market due to her meager pension. Her son-in-law had brought a new wife into his apartment, and her daughter returned to live with Zoe along with her little child. Zoe helped them however she could.
— Mom, I feel so bad for you, — said Emily. — You spend all day working in the garden or at the market. You should rest a bit.
— It’s nothing, dear. As long as I have strength, I’ll help you and my granddaughter. You’re not standing by either — you weeded half the garden together in just a few days! I couldn’t have done it alone. And Lily needs new boots for school, she can’t go in worn-out ones, — Zoe replied with a smile.
That’s how they lived — supporting one another, hoping that brighter days would eventually come.
One morning, Zoe went to the market. Her spot was in a prime location, so there were always plenty of buyers. Other sellers didn’t like this, especially Linda, an acquaintance of Zoe.
— Why are you so late? I’ve already taken your spot, so find another, — Linda announced brazenly.
Zoe didn’t argue. That wasn’t her character. She quietly set up her produce nearby, next to her neighbor Tanya’s goods.
— How’s your son-in-law? Still hasn’t come back? — Tanya asked.
— No, — Zoe sighed. — He’s living his own life now.
— Young people these days only think about themselves. Family isn’t a priority anymore, — Tanya said with regret.
Around noon, a strange young man in worn-out clothes appeared at the market.
— Looks like he’s fresh out of prison, — the sellers whispered nervously, eyeing him with suspicion.
The young man walked up to Zoe and shyly asked:
— Ma’am, I don’t have any money. Could I take a couple of apples on credit?
— Just take them, it’s nothing, — Zoe replied. — But why doesn’t such a young man like you have any money?
— I’m trying to get home. I ended up in prison for something foolish. I trusted a woman who betrayed me, — he admitted.
Later, the young man returned and, lowering his gaze, quietly said:
— Ma’am, could you lend me some money? I can’t get home otherwise. I promise I’ll pay you back!
— How much do you need?
— A hundred dollars.
Despite the judgmental glances from the other sellers, Zoe handed him the money.
— Take it, you can’t walk all the way there, — she said.
— Thank you so much! — he said sincerely. — My name is Paul. What’s your name?
— Zoe, — she replied.
When Zoe got home, she found Emily sick with a fever. For a week, Zoe treated her daughter with herbal remedies, and every evening, she read fairy tales to her granddaughter by the warm stove.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. When Zoe opened it, she was surprised to see a familiar face.
— Paul? — she said in disbelief.
— Yes, it’s me. Sorry I didn’t return the money right away. Things were tough, — he explained.
Emily, seeing the guest, invited him to join them for dinner. Over the meal, Paul shared his story. He had been unfairly sentenced to three years in prison, but now he had returned to his job as head of a clinic.
— If you ever need help, come to me, — he added, glancing warmly at Emily.
A week later, a car pulled up to Zoe’s house, and Paul stepped out, holding a large bouquet of flowers.
— Daughter, look out the window! Your suitor has arrived, — Zoe exclaimed with excitement.
— Finally, our day has come! — Emily laughed, hugging little Lily tightly.
