The girl turned to him, startled at the sudden intrusion, but her gaze softened as she recognized the concern in his voice. “A while,” she said. “I’ve been teaching Sophie for the past couple of weeks, when I can. I like helping her, and she’s really smart.”
Daniel stood frozen for a moment, looking at Sophie’s face. She was still smiling, the notebook clutched tightly in her hands, her attention fully on the girl who had unknowingly become her teacher. He couldn’t deny the sense of pride he felt, mixed with an overwhelming surge of guilt. For all his wealth, his influence, and his resources, it was this girl—this homeless teenager—who had managed to do something he hadn’t been able to. She had given Sophie something he could never buy: the joy of learning, of human connection.
He cleared his throat. “What’s your name?”
“Lily,” she replied with a soft smile. “Lily Parker.”
“And where do you live?” he asked, trying to maintain his composure.
