But Angela could see the truth. Sonia was not fine.
“Sometimes a cup of tea helps when I’m feeling down,” Angela said softly. “I could make you one if you’d like.”
Sonia’s eyes suddenly filled with tears at this small act of kindness.
“That’s very sweet of you, Angela. I would like that very much.”
Angela nodded and went to the small kitchen.
When she returned with a steaming cup of tea, Sonia took a sip and smiled for the first time that evening.
“This is perfect. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Angela said warmly. “We all need someone to care about us sometimes.”
From that moment, something changed between them. They both felt a quiet connection neither could explain.
Over the next few weeks, their conversations grew longer. Sonia began waiting for Angela in the evenings, and Angela found herself cleaning slower just to talk a little longer.
One evening, Sonia asked softly, “Angela, do you have children?”
Angela’s heart tightened. She paused, then answered honestly.
“I had a daughter once… but I lost her many years ago.”
Sonia looked at her with compassion. “I’m so sorry. That must be so painful.”
Angela nodded, tears shining in her eyes. “It was my fault. I thought I was doing what was best for her… but I lost her forever.”
Without thinking, Sonia reached out and touched Angela’s hand.
“That must be hard to live with.”
Angela froze. It had been over 20 years since anyone had touched her hand with kindness.
That night, something shifted between them. They weren’t just worker and boss anymore. They were two lonely souls who understood each other’s pain.
As months passed, their friendship grew stronger. Angela started staying a little later each night—not because she had more cleaning to do, but because she enjoyed talking to Sonia. And Sonia began working later too—not because of deadlines, but because she looked forward to seeing Angela.
“You know, Angela,” Sonia said one night, “talking to you is the best part of my day. You have such wisdom and such a kind heart.”
Angela smiled softly. “And you have a beautiful soul, Miss Sonia. Any mother would be proud to have a daughter like you.”
Neither of them realized they were describing the very bond they had lost 20 years ago.
Angela noticed that Sonia never spoke warmly about her mother.
