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

He’ll advise you on the best way to manage the funds. After the insurance office, they went to the company where John had worked to arrange all due compensations and benefits and to collect his personal belongings. Strange that no one from work called you, Andrew remarked.

Usually, HR reaches out to the family. My phone was left at my mother-in-law’s, Mindy explained. And I only bought a new one recently.

Andrew frowned. Speaking of your mother-in-law, why are you living in a hostel instead of at home? Mindy briefly told him how Dolores had thrown her and the baby out in the rain. That’s outrageous, Andrew exclaimed.

And illegal. She had no right to do that, especially with a child involved. I don’t want to sue John’s parents, Mindy said wearily.

They lost their son. They’re grieving. That doesn’t excuse cruelty, Andrew shook his head.

But of course, it’s your decision. In any case, now you have your own home and financial security. By evening, with all the errands complete, they returned to the hostel.

Andrew insisted on coming up to meet Alex. John talked so much about his son, he said. I have to see this little guy.

As if sensing the importance of the moment, Alex behaved like a model child. He smiled, cooed, and didn’t fuss even when Andrew awkwardly picked him up. A real little man, the lawyer smiled, gently handing the baby back to Mindy.

Looks just like his father. Before leaving, Andrew gave Mindy his business card and promised to help with any future issues. John was my best friend, he said seriously.

I’ll do everything I can to help you. After the lawyer left, Rachel gave Mindy a meaningful look. He’s a good man, she remarked.

Reliable. He’s just fulfilling John’s request, Mindy replied, but her cheeks flushed. That night, lying in bed next to a peacefully sleeping Alex, Mindy felt hope for the first time in a long while.

Of course, the pain of loss hadn’t gone anywhere, and she still couldn’t fully believe John was gone. But now she had a home, financial support, and people willing to help. She was no longer alone against the world.

Thank you, my love, she whispered, gazing into the dark window where stars shimmered beyond the glass. I promise I’ll do everything to raise our son to be a good man. Just like you.

The next day, Mindy called her parents and told them about the unexpected inheritance. Her mother burst into tears of joy and promised to come as soon as her father recovered. Mindy also contacted Andrew to check on the progress of the paperwork.

Everything is going according to plan, the lawyer reported. The insurance company has approved the payout. The money will be in your account soon.

Have you thought about moving into the new apartment yet? Mindy hesitated. Of course, she wanted to move into her own place as soon as possible, but she was afraid of being completely alone with the baby. I don’t know if I can handle Alex on my own, she admitted.

Rachel helps you here. If you’d like, I can hire a nanny for you for the first little while, Andrew offered. There’s a good agency with trustworthy people.

Mindy thanked him but decided to hold off on that for now. Too many things were changing at once. That evening, there was a knock at her door.

Clark stood on the threshold with a bouquet of wildflowers. These are for you, he said shyly, handing her the flowers. To celebrate the good news.

Thank you, Mindy said, touched, accepting the bouquet. You’re very kind, Clark. Ah, don’t mention it, the taxi driver waved it off.

I was thinking, when you move into your new apartment, I can help with the stuff. And really, if you need to go anywhere, just say the word. I’ll definitely take you up on that, Mindy smiled.

A week after discovering the safety deposit box, once all the paperwork had been completed and the insurance money transferred, Mindy made an important decision, to visit John’s parents. The decision to visit her in-laws wasn’t easy for her. The memory of that rainy evening when Dolores had thrown her out with a newborn still hurt deeply.

But she understood that John wouldn’t have wanted his parents cut off from their grandson. Are you sure you want to do this? Rachel asked if she helped Mindy dress Alex in a new onesie bought with the first insurance money. No, I’m not sure, Mindy admitted honestly.

But Alex has the right to know his grandparents. And they have the right to know him. Andrew insisted on accompanying her.

Just for moral support, he said, though his eyes revealed genuine concern for her. As they approached the familiar house, Mindy felt her heart pounding with anxiety. She held Alex closer, as if shielding herself with him.

Everything will be okay, Andrew said softly, parking the car. I’m right here. John’s father, Gregory, opened the door.

Seeing Mindy with the baby on the doorstep, he froze in disbelief. Mindy, finally, he murmured. Who is it, Gregory? Came Dolores’ voice, and she appeared in the doorway…