“Sir, she’s probably stealing. You shouldn’t encourage this.”
Daniel didn’t look up. He didn’t respond to the cashier.
His focus remained entirely on Kayla.
Slowly, he reached into his wallet and pulled out several bills, extending them toward her.
Kayla looked at the money.
Then she shook her head firmly.
“I only want milk, sir.”
Daniel blinked in surprise.
Most adults, when offered help, would take more than they needed. But this child? She wanted exactly what Ben required—nothing more.
A faint smile touched his lips.
“What if I offered more than milk?”
Kayla narrowed her eyes slightly.
“Like what?”
“Like a chance,” Daniel replied.
He stood and turned toward the cashier, his voice calm but decisive.
“They’re leaving with me. Call whoever you’d like. I’m taking responsibility for them.”
Gasps rippled quietly through the store.
Kayla’s eyes widened.
“Why are you helping us?”
Daniel met her gaze again, and this time his voice carried something deeper—something personal.
“Because a long time ago, I was in your shoes.”
Within minutes, Kayla found herself sitting inside a sleek, comfortable car. The leather seats felt unfamiliar beneath her. She held Ben securely, unsure whether to feel relieved or afraid.
Daniel sat beside her, already making quiet phone calls.
Doctors.
Lawyers.
