Caroline, newly arrived in New York with dreams of Broadway, found a job as a cleaner through an agency. Her friend Melissa worked at a clothing store. The cleaning job was perfect—allowing her to practice singing while working.

Before starting, Caroline thought about her mother, Helen, who had disapproved of her move. Helen had always been overprotective and disliked New York. Caroline had left a note on her mother’s dresser and moved away without a word. Helen hadn’t called, which Caroline attributed to anger.

Arriving at her assignment, Caroline entered the house using the key under the mat. She started cleaning and soon reached the office. There, she noticed a photo on the mantelpiece that looked exactly like her mother but younger.

As she cleaned, the homeowner, Richard Smith, arrived. “You must be the new cleaning lady. I’m Richard. Are you almost done?” he asked warmly.

Caroline hesitated but asked, “Who is this woman in the picture?”

Richard moved closer. “Ah, that’s Helen. She was the love of my life.”

Stunned, Caroline asked, “What happened to her?”

Richard’s voice grew emotional. “She died in a bus crash, pregnant. Her mother wouldn’t let me attend the funeral. I still love and miss her.”

Caroline was shocked. “My mother’s name is Helen, and she looks just like this woman.”

Richard, stunned, asked for Helen’s phone number. Caroline gave it to him, and he called her.

Helen answered, “Hello? Is it you, Caroline?”

Richard said, “Is this Helen Geller?”

“Yes, who is this?” Helen’s voice was icy.

Richard explained the accident and how he was kept away. Helen was shocked and said, “My mother told me you abandoned us. I raised my daughter alone.”

Caroline chimed in, “Mom, I’m here in New York and fine. I don’t plan on coming back until I make it on Broadway.”

Helen was taken aback. “I can’t believe this. I can’t ask my mother why she did this. But I’ll come to New York soon.”

Richard and Caroline shared a moment of understanding. Richard laughed and said, “So, I guess you’re my daughter.”

Caroline smiled, “Yes, I suppose I am.”