After a long shift at the little home-goods store, I wandered through the flea market just to unwind. Among the clutter and cinnamon-scented air, I noticed a grandmother and a small girl eyeing a yellow dress with lace trim. “If I wear this, I’ll be a princess for the fall festival!” the girl said. Her grandmother checked the price tag and sighed. “Honey, this is our grocery money. Not this time.”
Ten dollars. That was all. I bought the dress and caught up to them by the kettle corn tent. “This is for her,” I said. The grandmother’s eyes filled. “You don’t know what this means.” The next morning, there was a knock on my door. The pair stood there—Ava in the yellow dress, holding a small gold bag. Inside was a handmade bracelet strung with autumn-colored beads.....
