Every day after school, young Emily used her small allowance to buy food for a homeless man named Earl, whom she affectionately called “Two Shoes” for his mismatched footwear. Despite her strict mother’s disapproval, Emily found comfort in their daily chats—Earl was the only friend she had.

But when her mother threatened to call the police on Earl, Emily was forced to stop visiting him. On their last meeting, Earl opened up: he had lost everything after signing over his home and business to ungrateful children.

Weeks later, Emily was followed by two men on her way home. When she refused to hand over her backpack, they pushed her into a river. As she struggled against the current, Earl appeared out of nowhere, scared the attackers off, and jumped in to save her.

Emily survived, and her mother, deeply shaken, had a change of heart. The next day, she and Emily brought groceries and new shoes to Earl—and even offered him a job and housing as the school janitor. In the end, Emily’s simple act of kindness gave Earl a second chance—and saved her life.