When Nina felt something was off with her daughter, Ivy, she grew concerned. Ivy, usually bubbly and open, had started acting strangely. After speaking with her best friend, Alison, Nina decided to give Ivy space but stay vigilant.

Ivy, a straight-A student, began coming home late, her clothes dusty. One evening, Nina confronted her, but Ivy dismissed her concerns, claiming school projects were to blame. Something didn’t sit right with Nina.

One afternoon, unable to ignore her instincts, Nina left the bakery early to follow Ivy after school. As Ivy walked away from the school bus toward a sketchy neighborhood, Nina felt a mix of guilt and determination. After about 15 minutes, she saw Ivy enter an old, abandoned house. Panic surged through Nina.

Inside, Ivy stood next to an old homeless man and his puppy, handing them food and warm clothes. Nina shouted, unable to contain her fear.

A pair of dirty shoes | Source: Midjourney

“Mom! I can explain!” Ivy said, moving toward her.

“Get away from her!” Nina shouted at the man, who raised his hands in a gesture of peace.

“I’m just trying to get by,” he said.

Ivy interjected, explaining that the man, Frank, had saved her from some street hooligans weeks ago. He had chased them off, and they had since become friends.

Frank nodded solemnly, saying he didn’t want any trouble. Ivy added that Frank had been kicked out by his family for drinking but had stopped over a decade ago.

Nina took a deep breath, realizing the situation’s gravity. “Why didn’t you tell me, Ivy?”

“I knew you’d worry,” Ivy replied. “But Frank needed help.”

“Can’t we just help him?” Ivy pleaded.

Nina sighed, her heart softening. “Alright, Ivy. Let’s see what we can do.”

Afterward, Nina couldn’t shake Frank’s story from her mind. During a drive home, Ivy opened up about her gratitude for Frank’s help.

Days later, Nina suggested Frank could work at the bakery. Tom, her husband, agreed and mentioned he had a trailer he could fix up for Frank.

One evening, Frank came by to thank them. “I don’t know how to repay you,” he said, voice trembling.

“Just stay on the right path,” Tom replied, patting him on the back.

Frank smiled, grateful for their kindness.

Ultimately, Ivy taught Nina that a small act of kindness can change lives. Now, Frank and his puppy, Buddy, are part of their family.

What would you have done?