The man stood before hertall, unruffled, his restrained face leaving no room for argument.
Have they driven you out? he repeated softly, each syllable slicing through the air like a blade.
Yes Emma Carter answered hesitantly. I didnt want any trouble. I just came to try.
He examined her closely, then turned his gaze to the secretary.
How long have you been here? he asked, dry as dust.
Five years, MrStanner, the pale woman replied.
And in five years you never learned to tell a mother fighting for survival from a man who comes merely to bother? his voice turned icy. Call the head of the department. Immediately.
The secretary swallowed a loud gulp and fled to the back room.
Silence settled over the foyer like a thick blanket.
Emmas heart hammered, her hands trembled. She could not understand why this manclearly the boss, perhaps even the ownerwas taking her side.
Please, theres no need she whispered. Ill leave. I dont want to cause you any inconvenience.
No, he said calmly. You will stay.
A moment later a breathless man in a suit and a folder stormed in.
MrStanner, I didnt expect you today
Obviously, Alex cut in. If you care this much about candidates, Im not surprised we have such a turnover.
The newcomer fell silent.
Little Tommy tugged at his mothers sleeve.
Mum, whos that man?
Your boss, she whispered.
Alex leaned slightly toward the boy.
Youre Tommy, right?
Yes, the child answered shyly. And thats Mum.
I see. Youre lucky, Tommy. Not every child has a mother like hers.
He then looked at Emma.
Come with me.
The elevator carried them to the top floor.
His office was spacious, with floortoceiling windows framing the whole of London. A massive walnut desk, books, photographs, order and quiet.
Sit down, he said, shedding his coat.
Emma lowered herself carefully, as if afraid to leave a mark on the surface.
Tell me about yourself. Not the résuméyour life, he said, never breaking eye contact.
She swallowed.
I worked eight years in a clothing factory. They shut it down. Then I cleaned, did odd jobs wherever they came up. Im desperate for something steady. I saw you were hiring an assistant and thought maybe someone would hear me.
Why here?
Because I want to give my son something better, so he doesnt live in fear as I have.
Sincerity glittered in her eyes, a rarity indeed.
Alex Stanner stared at her for a long while, then asked quietly:
The boys father?
He disappeared years ago. No word since. Nobody to help us.
He sighed, as if recalling something distant.
I understand.
He reached for the phone.
Emma Carter starts tomorrow. Full contract, £30,000 a year, and a place for her son in the onsite nursery.
The line fell into a mute hush.
Yes, you heard correctly, he said and hung up.
Emma sprang from her chair.
MrStanner, I dont want you to think this is charity!
It isnt charity, he replied evenly. Its a decision. You need a chance, and I need people who dont give up.
Tears filled her eyes.
Thank you I dont know what to say.
Just say see you tomorrow, he smiled faintly.
Tommy shuffled closer.
Mum, will we finally have a job?
Yes, love. We will.
The weeks that followed drifted by like a dream. Emma proved herself an excellent employeeprecise, organized, modest. Colleagues first watched her with curiosity, then with respect.
Tommy accompanied her each day to the nursery, where he had already made friends.
One morning, as Alex passed the department, he paused at her desk.
Hows it going?
Good, MrStanner. I still cant believe this is real.
Believe it. You earned it, he said, flashing a smile none of the staff had ever seen.
A few weeks later she was summoned to his office.
Alex stood by the window, an old photograph clutched in his hand.
Do you see this woman? he asked.
The picture showed a woman with a gentle smile and eyes that mirrored his own.
No who is she? Emma whispered.
My mother. She was alone, came to an interview with me in hand. They drove her out. No one reached out.
He fell silent.
I promised myself, if I ever could decide anyones fate, I would never let a mother be humiliated because shes a mother. When I saw you in the foyer it was as if I saw her.
Emmas tears fell without shame.
Thank you not just for the job, but for everything.
You dont thank me. Thank yourself for not giving up.
Months slipped by. Emma rented a modest but bright flat. Tommy started school. Life began to smell of hope.
One Friday evening Alex stopped by her desk.
Im heading to my country house by the reservoir tomorrow. If youd like, bring Tommy. Hell love it.
Im not sure thats appropriate
Sometimes nothing needs to be appropriate. Sometimes it just needs to be true, he replied.
The next day, by the water, Tommy tossed stones and laughed. Emma sat on a wooden bench beside Alex, watching the skys reflection ripple on the surface.
For the first time in years she felt the world no longer stood against her.
Miracles, she realized, do not occur when you wait for them, but when you are certain they will never come.
