When they reached the checkout, Emily’s eyes widened at the total, but Michael simply smiled and paid without a second thought. As they left the store, he handed Emily a business card. “If you ever need anything, you call this number. Or come by my office. I mean it.”

Emily took the card, her small fingers tracing over the embossed letters. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the bustling city sounds.