The grandchildren ran around happily with their new toys while their daughter hugged Maria and Tom with gratitude.
Only weeks earlier the apartment had been filled with worry.
Now it felt full of hope.
Later that night, after everyone had gone home, Maria walked over to the armchair and gently touched the new fabric.
“It wasn’t just the money,” she whispered. “It was the chance to do something good.”
Tom nodded quietly.
“And that’s worth more than anything.”
For the first time in a long while, they felt peaceful about the future.
Before turning off the lights, Maria looked at the chair one last time.
“Thank you,” she whispered softly.
And that night, they both slept peacefully.
