“I’m just a cleaner,” Angela said quietly. “I can come back later if you need to work.”
The young woman shook her head. “No, no—please go ahead. I’m the one working late.”
She smiled again. “I’m Sonia Williams, the CEO here.”
Angela froze.
Sonia Williams.
Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly hid her reaction.
“I’m Angela. I’ll stay out of your way.”
“Thank you, Angela,” Sonia said warmly. “You’re very thorough. Everything is always spotless here.”
“It’s my job,” Angela said softly, her voice trembling slightly.
From that night on, their paths began to cross often. Sonia always worked late and Angela always cleaned the same floor.
At first, they exchanged polite greetings. But soon, Sonia started asking little questions.
“How long have you been working here, Angela?”
“About three months now.”
“Please call me Sonia,” the young woman said kindly. “And thank you for the amazing work you do. I notice everything. You take great care of this place.”
Angela smiled faintly. “Thank you.”
It had been years since anyone had said something kind to her.
Every time Sonia smiled at her, Angela felt something warm grow quietly inside her—something she hadn’t felt in two decades.
Hope.
One quiet night, Angela was cleaning Sonia’s office when she noticed something unusual. Sonia looked tired and sad. Her eyes were red and her smile was missing.
“Are you okay, Miss—” Angela asked gently, forgetting to sound formal.
Sonia looked up, surprised that the cleaner had noticed her mood.
“Oh, I’m fine. Just a long day.”
