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?”
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