“Are you here by yourself?” Daniel’s tone was compassionate.
She nodded solemnly. “My parents left and never came back. We stayed at a shelter, but they wanted to split us up, so we left.”
Daniel felt his heart ache at her words, a familiar memory tugging at him. “You ran away to protect Ben?”
Kayla nodded. Her small shoulders carried the burden of adulthood far beyond her years.
Mr. Oliver interjected harshly. “Sir, she’s probably stealing. You shouldn’t encourage this.”
Daniel ignored him, focusing only on Kayla. Reaching into his wallet, he produced several bills, offering them to her.
Kayla stared at the money but shook her head resolutely. “I only want milk, sir.”
Daniel smiled softly, impressed by her integrity. “What if I offered more than milk?”
Kayla narrowed her eyes curiously. “Like what?”
“Like a chance,” Daniel replied, standing and turning towards the cashier decisively. “They’re leaving with me. Call whoever you’d like. I’m taking responsibility for them.”
Kayla’s eyes widened with surprise. “Why are you helping us?”
Daniel met her earnest gaze. “Because a long time ago, I was in your shoes.”
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