I was doing my usual grocery shopping when I found a little girl sitting in my cart. Her eyes were full of fear as she whispered, “Don’t give me back, I’m scared.” In that moment, I knew my life was about to change.My life was steady and organized. After my sister Melissa lost her job, she moved in with me, but I hoped things would settle soon.

That day, I wasn’t expecting anything unusual. But there was Lily, alone in my cart. No parent in sight. She whispered her name softly, and I couldn’t just leave her there.After searching the store and waiting 20 minutes with no sign of her family, I took her home.

Melissa was upset. “You can’t just bring home a child!” she said. But I had called my friend James, a detective, to help.The next day, social services came to take Lily. She begged me not to give her back. My heart broke.

James called with news: Lily had run away from home before, but her family passed inspections and nothing was found.I visited Lily’s mother, Gloria, who looked worn down by life after her husband’s death. She admitted she couldn’t care for Lily right now. I promised to help care for Lily while Gloria got back on her feet.Social services agreed to let Lily stay with me temporarily. Though it was hard, I knew this was the right choice.Lily and I slowly built new routines, and every day her smile reminded me I had done the right thing.