“What’s your name?” she asked.
“Harry,” he replied. “And you?”
“Ella,” she said. “Nice to meet you, Harry.”
Ella insisted on driving him to a nearby motel and paid for a room. She handed him a few bags of food and some essentials, watching him take in the modest room with wide eyes.
“This is more than I’ve had in years,” he said quietly.
“It’s nothing,” she replied. “Make yourself comfortable.”
As Harry took off his coat, Ella’s eyes locked on a gold watch on his wrist. Her breath caught in her throat.
“Where did you get that watch?” she asked, her voice trembling.
He glanced at it, confused. “This? I’ve had it forever. Why?”
Ella’s heart raced. She recognized it. Memories of her childhood flooded back.
“Harry…” she whispered. “Is your name really Harry?”
He frowned, studying her. “No. It’s Alex. Why?”
Her knees buckled as she realized the truth. “Alex… it’s me. Ella.”
Recognition hit him slowly. “Ella?” he repeated, his voice breaking. “Little Ella?”
Tears streamed down Ella’s face as she nodded. “You took care of me when I was a kid. I never forgot you.”
In that moment, the years between them vanished. Alex pulled her into a tight hug, his voice trembling. “I thought I’d never see you again,” he whispered.
Over the following days, Ella learned how Alex’s life had fallen apart after she was taken away by social services. Health issues, financial struggles, and loneliness had led him to the streets. Despite everything, he had never forgotten her.
“You took care of me when I had no one,” Ella said firmly. “Now it’s my turn to take care of you.”
Ella helped Alex rebuild his life. She connected him with a nonprofit, got him part-time work, ensured he received medical care, and visited regularly. Slowly, Alex regained his health and confidence.
Months later, Alex moved into a small apartment, the gold watch gleaming on his wrist. Ella often visited, bringing dinner and reminiscing about their shared past.
“Thank you for not giving up on me,” Alex said one day.
Ella smiled. “You never gave up on me either.”
Their story was a testament to the power of kindness and the unbreakable bonds forged through love. What began as a chance encounter on a rainy evening became the rekindling of a connection neither of them had ever truly lost.