I PAID FOR A STRANGER’S GROCERIES TWO YEARS AGO—AND TODAY, I GOT THIS IN THE MAIL

Written in shaky pencil was:But then—just before the signature—I saw something strange.

The handwriting at the bottom didn’t match the top. It was from a child.

Written in shaky pencil was:

“My mamá said you are why I want to help people now. I hope I can find you again before I leave.”

No explanation.

Before they leave where?

I flipped the envelope over.

And saw something that made my breath catch in my throat—a small, faded photograph. It was a picture of a young girl, maybe seven or eight years old, holding a worn teddy bear. In the background, I could make out a hospital room.

My heart pounded. Was this the child of the couple? Was she… sick?

I reread the letter, searching for clues. Nothing. Just gratitude and a child’s simple wish.

The next day, I couldn’t shake the image of the photograph. I decided to go to the supermarket where it had all happened. Maybe someone would remember them.

The cashier, a young woman named Leona, did. “Oh, them,” she said, her eyes softening. “They were having a really rough time. The little girl, her name is Sofia, she has a rare blood disorder. They were in and out of the hospital, struggling to pay the bills.”

“Do you know where they are now?” I asked, my voice trembling.

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