The damp chill of the evening clung to her bones as she stepped into the bakery, her stomach hollow and her heart heavier still. At just eight years old, she couldnt remember the last time shed eaten something warm.
“Miss could I have a bit of bread, even if its hard?” Her voice trembled, barely a whisper.
The woman behind the counter looked her up and down with disgust before jabbing a finger toward the door.
“Clear off, you little beggar! Go earn your keep like the rest of us!” Her shrill voice cut through the air as she wiped down the counter.
A lump rose in the girls throat as she turned to leave, but a firm voice stopped her in her tracks.
“Oi, lady!” An elderly man, shopping bags in hand, glared at the baker. “Cant you see shes just a child?”
“Then let her parents take care of her,” the woman snapped, rolling her eyes.
The girl shrank back, wishing she could disappear. But the old man leaned down, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“Dont you worry, love. Come on, lets get you something proper.”
That day, he took her home. Gave her hot soup, a warm bed, andmost importantlya place where she didnt feel like rubbish.
“Ive no grandchildren,” he said with a quiet smile. “Fancy being mine?”
She bit her lip to keep from crying and nodded.
“Yes, Granddad.”
Years passed, and that old man became her family, her strength, the reason she pushed through school. He made her promise that one day, shed help others the way hed helped her.
Time flew, and years laternow a doctorshe was called urgently to the hospital. A woman was bleeding out in the operating theatre. When she walked in and saw her on the gurney, she froze.
It was the baker.
As she worked, the womans cruel words echoed in her mind. But stronger still was the memory of her granddads warm hand pulling her from the streets. And in that moment, she understood.
Hours later, the woman stirred, her eyes glassy with pain.
“You you saved my life?”
The doctor met her gaze, calm and steady.
“Yes, madam. And I did it because someone once believed I deserved a second chance.”
Tears spilled down the womans face. The doctor only smiled, knowingsomewhere beyond the cloudsher granddad was proud.
