What attracted my attention to her that day was a mystery. Maybe it was the troubled expression in her eyes or the luxury stroller I could never afford. But nothing prepared me for the sight of what she left behind. I don’t usually stare at strangers, but I couldn’t help but notice the woman wheeling the elegant stroller. It had a deep, dark coffee hue and felt buttery smooth to the touch, unlike most bulky strollers. It looked like something a celebrity would buy. Her heels clicked against the sidewalk, a sound that made me feel impoverished. Her fitted brown coat probably cost more than my entire wardrobe, yet it was her weary appearance that intrigued me. She looked as if she hadn’t slept in weeks, with sunken eyes and an aloof demeanor. I shifted my newborn daughter, Anne, in my arms, trying to comfort her as she squirmed. “Shh, it’s okay,” I whispered. I couldn’t afford to dwell on others’ troubles; my own were already too much. As I walked on, I noticed something odd. The woman paused near a dumpster, glancing around as if checking for onlookers. Curiosity gripped me. What was she doing? “Wait… what the hell?” I whispered as she moved away from the stroller after a final glance, leaving it behind. “People don’t just abandon strollers,” I thought, my mind racing. I glanced down at Anne, who looked up at me with wide eyes. “What are we going to do?” Despite my better judgment, I felt compelled to investigate. “What if it’s just… empty?” I spoke aloud, trying to calm my racing heart. I paused before the stroller, gasping for breath, and reached for the handle. Leaning over, I peered inside. What I saw was unbelievable. “Is that… cash?” I blinked, hoping I was dreaming. But it was real—bundles of money, neatly stacked. “This isn’t possible.” I hesitated, my hand trembling as I touched a bundle, then withdrew it as if it were burning. “Should I just leave it?” I thought, battling panic. But I couldn’t. I needed this for Anne. Then I spotted an envelope nestled between the bundles. I tore it open, revealing a note in neat handwriting. “Grab it. I won’t need it as much as you will. Don’t try to locate me, please.” I read the note aloud, bewildered. “What the…?” Half-expecting the woman to return, I looked around, but the alley was deserted. The only sounds were Anne’s soft coos and my own quickening breath. Continue reading on next page…
