I thought I was helping an elderly lady reunite with her family for Thanksgiving. But by the end of the evening, her hidden motives changed everything, drawing my busy boss into an amazing journey in which I did not expect to see the truth.
On the night before Thanksgiving, the city sparkled with festive lights. Families laughed, couples walked arm in arm, and festive music drifted from open doors.
I wandered aimlessly through the city, feeling lonely with every step I took. The window display of one of the shops caught my eye: it featured beautiful glass decorations with peaceful winter scenes.
‘Mum loved these,’ I muttered to myself.
Every year, we would choose one for our Christmas tree while drinking cocoa and watching classic films. This year, however, it was just me.
Suddenly, the movement on the street interrupted my thoughts — a frail elderly woman was struggling with a heavy suitcase in the snow. Feeling compelled to help, I approached her.
‘Ma’am, do you need help?’ I asked.
Relief washed over her face. ‘Oh, thank you so much! My name is Edie. I… I came to surprise my daughter Melody for Thanksgiving after so many years.’
‘That sounds wonderful,’ I said with a smile. ‘May I walk with you?’
Her face lit up. ‘Oh yes! I would be very grateful.’
As we walked arm in arm, my empty evening was filled with meaning.
My phone rang — the screen lit up with ‘Arthur’ — the name of my boss made me groan inwardly.
‘You can answer it if you want,’ Edie said kindly, noticing the call.
‘It’s just my boss,’ I replied hesitantly. ‘Probably something unimportant.’
Idi giggled softly. ‘Bosses don’t usually call about anything else.’
I sighed and turned off the call without answering it: ‘Today I want to help you.’
We continued walking as Edie shared bits and pieces of her life until she suddenly stopped.
‘Oh no!’ she exclaimed anxiously, ‘I can’t show up empty-handed! Melody will be disappointed.’
” Let’s find something special for her,” I suggested eagerly.
We found a charming little shop filled with twinkling lights and thoughtful gifts, and Edie carefully examined each item, while my phone buzzed again — this time Arthur was sending me a more angry message!
Noticing my distraction, Edie said softly, ‘Loneliness spares no one—not even bosses.’
I rolled my eyes at the remark. ‘He doesn’t quite understand, but I’ll manage.’
Finally, choosing an elegant glass ornament painted with a snow-covered forest, she asked, ‘What do you think of this one?’
Looking at it brought back fond memories of my childhood spent with my mother.
‘It’s perfect,’ I whispered softly.
Idi’s warm smile made me feel touched when she added, ‘Then we’ll buy two — one for Melody and one for ourselves.’
I gratefully accepted the offer; ‘Thank you so much!’
But Arthur kept buzzing, reminding me to hurry up, and soon we reached the house, which, according to Edie, was her daughter’s house, and she was excited as we climbed the steps together!
When someone opened the door, confusion flashed across his face, but he quickly said, ‘I think you’ve got the wrong place.’
Edie’s expression immediately fell, and realising what had happened, I asked quietly, ‘You don’t have a daughter waiting for you, do you?’
She looked away sadly, and then another buzz from Arthur reminded me that he wanted something urgent again. I was upset, but with a sigh I said, ‘All right, let’s go.’
Back at work, Arthur was waiting impatiently, and his anger was evident as he chuckled loudly:
‘So, you finally decided to show up? Do you think this job is fun, Fiona? Ignoring calls, running around town?’
‘I helped someone!’ she replied calmly, trying not to lose her composure.
Arthur laughed loudly and said sharply, ‘Helped? This isn’t charity, Fiona — you’re fired, pack your things!’
Feeling crushed, he gathered his things, while curious little Edie unceremoniously wandered into his office, and I said irritably, ‘Enough! You lied!’
Her sad gaze pierced me through and through, but I turned away and ordered a taxi home…
Later, in the empty flat, loneliness hung over my head, and I regretted leaving the poor old woman, who sought company only during the holidays, intensifying the feeling of isolation everywhere…
A knock interrupted his thoughts, and Arthur was surprised to find himself standing there holding the ornament that the kind-hearted woman had given him earlier!
‘I never thought such little things could mean so much,’ he admitted awkwardly, apologising for his words.
His vulnerability shook me, and I hesitantly asked if he would like to join us for dinner that evening.
Nodding affirmatively, he suggested visiting dear old Edie, because she shouldn’t be left alone either…
Together we returned home, where the delicious aroma wafting through the air welcomed us, and we spent the evening laughing and telling each other stories…
That evening, amid the glow of friendship, we found the missing pieces within ourselves — forgiveness, reminding us that even the smallest gestures create bonds that last a lifetime!
