That night, she sat in her small kitchen, staring at her empty wallet, hoping he was okay. The next morning, she had a job interview she desperately needed. Wearing her mother’s silver ring for courage, she walked into the office — and froze.

At the head of the table sat the same man from the store, now clean-shaven and wearing a suit. “Emma, right?” he said gently. He introduced himself as Mr. Watson, the CEO. After losing his wife, he had spiraled into despair.

“Your kindness reminded me of who I used to be,” he said. “The job is yours.” Emma left the office in tears, realizing her mother was right: When you give from the heart, life has a way of giving back — just when you need it most.