12/15/2024
An Elderly Woman Lent Money to an Ex-Convict for a Bus Ticket. Later, Uninvited Guests Arrived at Her Door
Zoe had spent her entire life working as a teacher, but now she was forced to sell vegetables at the market due to her meager pension. Her son-in-law had brought a new wife into his apartment, and her daughter returned to live with Zoe along with her little child. Zoe helped them however she could.
— Mom, I feel so bad for you, — said Emily. — You spend all day working in the garden or at the market. You should rest a bit.
— It’s nothing, dear. As long as I have strength, I’ll help you and my granddaughter. You’re not standing by either — you weeded half the garden together in just a few days! I couldn’t have done it alone. And Lily needs new boots for school, she can’t go in worn-out ones, — Zoe replied with a smile.
That’s how they lived — supporting one another, hoping that brighter days would eventually come.
One morning, Zoe went to the market. Her spot was in a prime location, so there were always plenty of buyers. Other sellers didn’t like this, especially Linda, an acquaintance of Zoe.
— Why are you so late? I’ve already taken your spot, so find another, — Linda announced brazenly.
Zoe didn’t argue. That wasn’t her character. She quietly set up her produce nearby, next to her neighbor Tanya’s goods.
— How’s your son-in-law? Still hasn’t come back? — Tanya asked.
— No, — Zoe sighed. — He’s living his own life now.
— Young people these days only think about themselves. Family isn’t a priority anymore, — Tanya said with regret.
Around noon, a strange young man in worn-out clothes appeared at the market.
— Looks like he’s fresh out of prison, — the sellers whispered nervously, eyeing him with suspicion.
The young man walked up to Zoe and shyly asked:
— Ma’am, I don’t have any money. Could I take a couple of apples on credit?
Fυ|I ιи thє fiяst c0ммєит
