A friend of mine offered her a bakery job, and Nella flourished. Months later, she was living above the bakery, taking night classes, and—unexpectedly—dating my friend’s son. When they married a year later, she asked me to walk her down the aisle.

Her wedding gift to me was a silver keychain engraved: “You gave me a home when I had none.” That night taught me something I’ll never forget—sometimes, compassion does what punishment never could.