I Returned a Lost Diamond Ring at the Supermarket. The Next Day, a Man in a Black Mercedes Knocked on My Door

I told him I hadn’t expected anything. That returning the ring was the only choice.

He handed me an envelope.

“My mother wanted you to have this,” he said. “Whatever you decide to do with it.”

He paused before leaving.

“She wanted me to tell you something,” he added. “Your wife would be very proud of you.”

Then he walked back to the car and drove away.

What Honesty Came Back With

I waited to open the envelope until I was alone. Sitting in the van. Hands still dusted with flour.

Inside was a check for fifty thousand dollars.

I stared at it for a long time.

There was a note. Simple. Grateful. Signed by Andrew.

I cried then. Quietly. Deeply.

The money fixed the van. Repaired the roof. Filled the fridge without fear. It gave us room to breathe.

That Friday night, we ordered pizza. Lily declared it the best night of her life. We made a jar for future dreams.

“Are we rich?” Max asked.

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