After her husband’s death, a 20-year-old woman and her 3-month-old son ended up on the street…

Rachel listened carefully to the story, shaking her head. My God, what kind of people, she sighed. Of course, you can stay.

I happen to have a free room, small, but clean. We’ll work out the cost later. I can help, Mindy quickly said.

Cleaning, cooking. I know how to do everything. We’ll talk about that tomorrow, Rachel smiled gently.

Right now, you both need to get warm and have some food. The room was indeed tiny but cozy, a bed, a table, a chair, and a small wardrobe. Soon Rachel brought an old baby crib.

It had been stored in the attic since her daughter was little. Not luxurious, but you’ll manage for now, she said. We’ll see how it goes.

That night, after putting Alex to bed, Mindy couldn’t fall asleep for a long time. Everything that had happened seemed like a terrible nightmare, John’s death, the cruel scene with Dolores. She still couldn’t believe she had simply been kicked out, with a nursing baby, and pouring rain.

In the morning, Mindy woke up to her son’s crying. After feeding him, she went downstairs to the kitchen, where Rachel was bustling about. Good morning, the hostess smiled.

How did you sleep? Thank you, well, Mindy lied. Don’t rush, Rachel stopped her, noticing the attempt to talk about debt. We’ll have breakfast first, then talk.

Over a cup of tea, Rachel shared that she had once been alone with a child too. My husband left when Mindy was three months old. Just like your little one.

It was hard, but I managed. Now my daughter lives in Canada, works as a doctor. My grandson is finishing school.

So, everything happens in life. After breakfast, they discussed the terms. Mindy would help with cleaning the hostel and, when possible, take shifts at the reception desk while Alex slept.

In exchange, room and board. You just need to get your documents reissued, Rachel noted. You can’t go anywhere without a passport these days.

And you need to buy a phone, even a basic one. Otherwise, how will your family find you? Mindy gave a bitter smile. They won’t be looking for me.

Clark, a regular guest who rented a room when he worked late, helped Mindy get in touch with her parents. Her father was ill, and her mother couldn’t come, but she promised to send some money as soon as she could. Days passed in a monotonous routine.

Mindy helped Rachel with the hostel, took care of Alex, and tried to find her footing in this new world. She posted job ads, began the process of restoring her documents. Rachel and Clark became her real support.

Rachel looked after Alex when Mindy ran errands, and Clark helped with transportation and minor repairs. Don’t worry, Rachel said in the evenings as they drank tea together. Everything will work out.

You’re young, beautiful, smart. And your boy is wonderful. We’ll get through this.

Mindy nodded and tried to smile, but deep inside she was tormented by fear and uncertainty. She had dropped out of university when she got pregnant and had no formal education. Finding a job, especially with a baby, was nearly impossible.

She grabbed any opportunity, handing out flyers, posting notices, anything to make a little money. One day, returning from yet another unsuccessful interview, Mindy saw a strange sight. Rachel and Clark were sitting at the kitchen table, leaning over a paper envelope.

There you are, Mindy. Rachel exclaimed, You got a letter. Or rather, a notification from the bank.

From the bank? Mindy was surprised. I’ve never had any dealings with them. It has your name on it, Clark interjected.

And your passport number. Says you need to visit a branch regarding a safety deposit box. A safety deposit box? Mindy repeated, even more confused.

I’ve never had one. Maybe something was left by your husband? Rachel suggested. Go check.

It could be important. Mindy paused to think. John had never mentioned a safety deposit box.

Then again, he had handled many matters on his own, trying to spare her any worries, especially during her pregnancy. What about Alex? Who will watch him? She asked anxiously. I will, Rachel answered calmly…