Richard decided to visit Lily again. Armed with his assistant’s research, he approached her humble stand on the corner where they first met. Lily recognized him immediately, her eyes wide with surprise but also curiosity.

“You’re back,” she said, a hint of wariness in her voice.

Richard nodded, crouching down to her level. “I wanted to apologize for the other day. I was startled and didn’t mean to upset you. I knew your mother a long time ago. She was very special to me.”

Lily seemed to soften a little at the mention of her mother. “She was special to me too.”

Richard hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I know your life hasn’t been easy. I want to help, if you’ll let me. Not out of pity, but because I wish to honor your mother’s memory.”