Early evenings were calm at the Willowbrook perimeter grocery shop. Today, quiet was unusually heavy. At the center of this quiet was nine-year-old Kayla, holding her baby brother and a milk carton.
“I’ll pay when I grow up, I promise,” Kayla muttered, but the shop heard her. She was not pleading. She stared at the clerk with purpose and honesty. Tense and eager, the moment was frozen.
The strong cashier, Mr. Oliver, with thinning hair, shook his head. You can’t leave with it, child. Return that or I’ll call someone.”
Kayla persisted. Ben, her baby brother, whimpering, was rocked gently. As Mr. Oliver reached for the phone, the shop door quietly chimed. Anyone who read the local news recognized Daniel Mercer.
Daniel Mercer, millionaire founder and CEO of Mercer Foods, where they stood. He hesitated, feeling the tension in the room, wearing a perfect suit. The small girl clutching the milk container caught his attention.
Her voice was calm and serious as she fearlessly faced Daniel. Please, sir, my little brother hasn’t eaten since yesterday. I don’t steal. I request your confidence. Older me will pay.”
Daniel knelt to look into her eyes, struck by her genuineness. “What’s your name?” he inquired kindly.
“Kayla,” she said boldly, “and this is Ben.”
“Are you alone?” Daniel spoke compassionately.
She nodded seriously. “My parents never returned. We fled a shelter because they tried to divide us up.”
Her comments made Daniel’s heart throb with a familiar remembrance. “You fled to save Ben?”
Kayla nods. Her little shoulders conveyed maturity beyond her years.
Oliver intervened violently. Sir, she’s probably stealing. Do not promote this.”
Daniel ignored him to concentrate on Kayla. He handed her many bucks from his wallet.
Kayla shook her head at the money determinedly. “I only want milk, sir.”
Daniel smiled warmly, admiring her honesty. “What if I offered more than milk?”
Kayla peered inquisitively. “Like what?”
“Like a chance,” Daniel said, rising and facing the cashier. “They’re leaving with me. Call anybody you want. Im responsible for them.”
Surprised, Kayla opened her eyes. “Why help us?”
Daniel looked at her intently. “Because I was in your shoes long ago.”
Kayla quickly found herself in a luxurious sedan with Ben as Daniel discreetly made plans. Doctors, attorneys, and assistants organized everything to welcome two fragile youngsters into Daniel’s penthouse.
Kayla watched Ben sleep happily in a secure cot in a silky robe that evening after a nice bath and big lunch. Dan knocked quietly to enter the guest room.
I spoke to the shelter, Kayla. I heard what happened.” His speech was soothing.
Kayla dropped her sight. “They didn’t get. Ben needs me. My commitment was to constantly guard him.”
Daniel sat alongside her, his words warm. “You promised to repay me when you grow up. Still mean it?
Kayla nodded sincerely. “Yes, sir, I promise.”
Daniel grinned knowingly. “Then repay me this way. Be confident, study hard, and utilize your strength and intellect from now. Develop the character to aid others.”
Kayla cried. She had never been trusted so much. “Do you think I can?”
“I know you can,” Daniel said. “I was abandoned at your age. Someone believed in me, and I committed to share. That promise is realized today by you.”
From then on, Daniel founded the “Kayla Promise Foundation” to feed, educate, and house abandoned children. Kayla stayed silent, wanting to keep her word.
Kayla flourished over time. Daniel mentored her as she excelled academically, studied social welfare, and tirelessly supported disadvantaged children. Ben became a happy, comfortable young man, proud of his sister’s commitment.
Kayla became a skilled and recognized children’s rights champion and stood boldly before a huge crowd.
“Today,” she said, “we open the tenth facility providing homes, education, and hope to children in need.”
Daniel, older and prouder, led the crowd in applause.
Kayla grinned at Daniel when asked what motivated her. “Someone believed in the promise of a scared little girl,” she said. “He gave her the strength and chance to succeed.”
Daniel hugged Kayla and said, “You’ve repaid me tenfold.”
Kayla softly shook her head, beaming with appreciation. “No, sir. Kindness multiplies indefinitely, therefore the debt is never paid.
Daniel knew Kayla’s vow that evening had changed many lives, including his own, as they stood side by side.
