When I was 14, life was hard. My family struggled, and I often went to school pretending I’d forgotten my lunch.
One day, my English teacher, Mrs. Carter, noticed. The next day, she quietly placed a sandwich and an apple on my desk.
I tried to refuse, but she smiled and said, “Everyone needs energy to learn.” From then on, she always made sure
I had something to eat—fruit, homemade meals—without ever asking for thanks. Her quiet kindness gave me strength to get through those years.
Then, one day, she vanished—no explanation, no goodbye. I never knew what happened, but I never forgot her.
Ten years later, as a practicing lawyer, I was shocked to see her name on my schedule. Mrs. Carter walked into my office,
warm smile unchanged. I told her how her support had inspired me to study, earn scholarships,
and become a lawyer. She explained she’d left teaching to care for her family, worried she hadn’t made a difference.
I reassured her she had changed my life forever. Before she left, I handed her my card. “You once made sure I was taken care of,” I said.
“Now let me return the favor.” She hugged me, and for the first time, I felt fully at peace.