Moving to the new neighborhood was like getting a brand new beginning for me. As a journalist, I really needed a break from the nonstop ringing phones, the stressful atmosphere, and the loud typing on keyboards. But I had no idea that a little girl with a red bag would end up changing my life in a big way.
My new house was right in the middle of a peaceful neighborhood that felt like a cozy blanket, which was just what I needed.
The soft sound of a few cars driving by felt more like a quiet secret than a bother.
This place felt like a dream come true, and I absolutely loved it.
While I was unpacking my stuff, I spotted a lonely little girl holding a red bag. She was standing at the bus stop across the street. She didn’t move for a long time; she just stared at my house.
I was curious about why she was there all by herself, but I didn’t want to go outside and ask her. I was worried the neighbors might think I was trying to find out their secrets.
The next day, when I peeked out the window, I saw the same scene again.
The same girl with the same red bag. She was completely still.
I tried not to keep looking and went back to what I was doing inside. But after a while, I glanced outside again, and she was still there.
That night, I found it hard to fall asleep. I kept thinking about the girl and what was going on in her life. I really wanted to know more, but I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.
A few days went by, and I saw the girl with the red bag waiting at the bus stop again.
It became a habit for me to peek out the window and watch her, unsure if I should do something.
Then one morning, she was missing, but her old red bag, which looked a bit worn out, was sitting right in front of my door.
My heart pounded, and my hands shook as I unzipped that familiar red bag, curious about what treasures it might hold.
When I peeked inside, I found the most amazing little creations that seemed full of life. There were tiny houses made from bottle caps, toy cars crafted from plastic and wires, and dolls stitched together from leftover fabric. Each little toy was made with such care and skill.
I couldn’t believe that such small hands could create such beautiful things, I thought to myself.
Then, I noticed a note at the bottom of the bag.
“Hi, my name is Libbie. I make these toys to help pay for my grandma’s medicine. My parents passed away in a car accident three months ago, and my grandma is all I have left. Would you like to buy some? Thank you.”
Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt a tightness in my throat. I understood that the girl wasn’t just feeling lonely; she was overwhelmed by her responsibilities and the daily fight to take care of her grandma, even though she was still just a kid.
She waited at the bus stop not only to sell her beautifully made crafts but also because, deep down, she wished someone would see her.
I took all the cash I had in my wallet and dropped it into her red bag. As for the toys, I set them on my kitchen counter.
When morning came, I waited eagerly for Libbie to show up. As soon as I saw her, I opened the door and invited her in. She looked scared and surprised by my invitation.
“Please come in,” I said. “I have some homemade cookies and warm milk for you.”
“Sorry for bothering you,” she mumbled softly.
“Oh, honey, you’re not bothering me at all. Please, come inside,” I urged.
Libbie walked into my house and plopped down in a chair, reaching for a glass of milk.
That’s when she opened up about her life. Every morning, her dad would take her to the bus station so she could catch the bus to school. When school was over, her parents would be waiting for her there.
The bus stop held special memories for her. Standing there, she liked to imagine that her mom and dad were still with her, which helped her feel a little better before facing the tough reality of life.
I felt really sad for Libbie, but I promised her that I would always support her.
As time went on, we became good friends. Libbie started coming over a lot, and I would help her make her toys.
A few years later, after I married my boyfriend Darren, we chose to adopt Libbie.
Her grandma lives with us, and we all help look after her.
For Libbie, we created a website where she sells her toys, and many people are moved by her story.
Still, she likes to hang out at the bus stop from time to time.
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