Alice wondered if the boy who frequently took leftovers from her restaurant was hiding something, so she decided to follow him one day. What she found stunned her.

“You’re lucky, kid. We have plenty of leftovers today, and you can take all of it,” said Steve. He was the head chef at Alice’s restaurant and often kept leftovers for Christopher, the young boy who sometimes visited their place for food.

“Really? Is there that much? Do I have enough to share with my friends?” Christopher’s eyesbrightened.

“Yes, Chris,” Steve replied with a big grin. “Wait here; I’ll get the bags for you.”

Christopher was happy when he received the food bags. He thanked Steve with a bright smile, waved goodbye, and walked away with joy.

Alice had no idea this was common at her restaurant until she saw Christopher leave that night. Still, she wasn’t sure if he ate leftovers just to fill his stomach. She thought, “I should find out what’s really going on with this kid. He doesn’t seem homeless,” as she watched him go.

Over the next few days, she waited for him to return. When he came back on the third day, she met him at the door. “Hi. Are you here for the leftovers?” she asked softly.

“Yes!” Chris said happily. “Can you call the cook? He probably kept those bags for me.”

Alice smiled warmly. “There’s no need. I’ve prepared fresh food for you so you don’t have to eat leftovers. By the way, what’s your name?”

“Oh, that’s very kind. Thank you,” Christopher said. “My full name is Christopher, but you can call me Chris.”

“So, why don’t you eat at home, Chris? Is your mother unwell?” Alice asked.

Christopher’s face changed. “Actually… I live in an orphanage, and they don’t feed me well. Whenever I come here, your staff help me. I’m thankful for that. Anyway, I’ll go now,” he said quickly and hurried away.

Alice grew suspicious that the boy had been hiding something. That day, she decided to follow him. What she saw next surprised her.

Instead of going to an orphanage, Chris went to a house, left the food bag on the porch, and ran off. An older woman appeared, looked around confused, took the bag, and went inside.

She was about to knock to ask who she was and how she knew Christopher, but before she did, she received an urgent call from the restaurant and had to leave.

The next day, when Christopher arrived again, Alice was waiting. “There’s something you need to tell me, Chris. I know you’ve been taking food for someone else. Be honest, who is it?”

“I’m sorry, I lied,” Chris admitted immediately. “I’ve been carrying food to my grandmother. She’s the only family I have now.”

Alice was taken aback. “Then why do you stay in an orphanage?”

Christopher looked down. “When my parents died, my grandmother didn’t get custody because she didn’t have enough money. She can’t even afford food. Every day, I collect food here and take it to her house,” he said quietly.

Alice was proud of how Chris cared for his grandmother but also felt sad for them. That day, she went to his grandmother and told her everything. When Edith heard it was her grandson placing food outside her door, she nearly cried.

“Is it really my grandson?” Edith almost broke down. “Oh my God. I miss him so much! I’m sorry I couldn’t help him more.”

“Don’t worry, ma’am,” Alice said. “There’s a way I can help you and your grandson.”

That day, Alice went to the orphanage to request custody of Christopher. The paperwork was completed quickly, and Chris was allowed to go home to his grandmother.

“I don’t know how to thank you, Alice,” Edith said. “I’ve always wanted to be with my grandson, but circumstances prevented it.” She began to cry.

“You don’t need to thank me,” Alice replied. “I was happy to help. I lost my parents when I was young, so I understand what it’s like to be surrounded by loved ones.”

Edith took Alice’s hands and said, “I can’t repay you, but you’re welcome to visit us anytime. You’re like family now.”

Alice almost cried. “That’s kind of you. I’d love to visit. I already like Chris. He’s a good boy.”

“Oh yes, he is,” Edith agreed. “Now, I just need some support for him.”

“In that case…” Alice hesitated before speaking, “I have something to offer you.”

Edith expected Alice to suggest a job, but she was surprised by what she said next. “Ever since I lost my parents, I have had no one to care for me. I’m looking for someone to love me like a mother. Would you consider the position? As for Chris’s education, I will take care of it because I am his guardian.”

When Edith heard that, she burst into tears again.

“I know it might be a lot to ask,” Alice continued, “but I really need someone in my life who cares for me. Since I’ve lost my parents too, I understand. I’d be glad if you’d accept.”

Edith was moved. “Of course, honey,” she said, hugging Alice. “Your kindness is a blessing. You came into our lives like an angel.”

Alice smiled through tears. “You don’t need to thank me. I feel like I have a family now, thanks to you,” she said sincerely.

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