Meeting the delivery truck, Vanessa directed the movers where to carry the cement, paint, and other building supplies.
While the weather was still warm, she decided to fix up her old house. It desperately needed attention—the foundation was settling, and the roof had been leaking since last autumn, though patched slate kept the rain at bay for now. Just then, her neighbor approached.
— Hey, Vanessa, still fussing with that shack? You’re spinning like a hamster on a wheel.
Knowing her neighbor wouldn’t leave easily, Vanessa asked directly:
— Did you want something, or just here to chat?
— Straight to the point, huh? Listen, Vanessa, can you lend me five hundred until payday? My Mike bought some car parts—curse that thing—and we’re out of bread at home. Just three days, I swear I’ll pay you back.
Vanessa smirked and replied:
— Look at you, picking me to ask. Money doesn’t grow on trees for me either. In case you forgot, I’m a single mom with more mouths to feed than you.
Her neighbor put on a pitiful face, and Vanessa, reluctantly, agreed to help:
— Fine, come inside. I’ve got a little saved for emergencies. But don’t let me down on paying it back—every penny counts with this renovation.
Marina practically crossed herself:
— I swear, Vanessa, I’ll be back in three days flat. By the way, what was George whispering about yesterday? You two planning something? He’s not exactly old, still in his prime.
Vanessa saw where this was going:
— Don’t talk nonsense, Marina. You’re barking up the wrong tree. We just discussed some extra work. He’s got a good client on the side and offered me a chance to pitch in. But you, gossiping like a crow—saw something odd and now you’re blabbing to the whole town. Enough, Marina, don’t ruin your reputation while I’m still on good terms with you. Besides, why would I need a man at my age? I’m pushing forty-five soon. I manage fine, and my kids help out.
As if on cue, her sons appeared on the porch. The older two, born a year apart, were in trade school, while the youngest was still in high school. Her daughter was off buying bread at the village store. Looking at her boys, Vanessa added:
— That’s why I don’t waste time on foolishness. There’s no room for it. A house like this keeps you busy—cleaning, cooking, now repairs. Hey, want to lend a hand?
Marina shook her head:
— Nah, I’ll just wish you luck in your noble struggle.
After fetching the money from the house, Vanessa returned:
— Here, and tell Mike to stop slacking. Farmer Peter was hiring for a job out of town recently. Why’d your husband pass? Then he wonders where money for parts comes from. People these days—given a chance to earn, they don’t take it. Alright, Marina, I won’t keep you.
Turning to her sons, she commanded:
— Alright, boys, grab the tools and start scraping the walls. When Lily gets back, she’ll help. I’ll mix the plaster later, and we’ll start patching.
This was the real life of a single mother—always something to do, no space for laziness or idleness.
Vanessa had been living alone with her kids in this rickety cottage for years, ever since a fire took everything. Back then, they’d all lived in her spacious childhood home, but in one night, it was gone, along with every outbuilding. Miraculously, no one was hurt, but the house burned to ashes. They had to start over, but her husband, Andrew, couldn’t handle the weight of it and ran off, leaving the mess behind. Where he was now, she didn’t know, though rumors swirled he’d found a woman with fewer problems, free of the burdens of fatherhood. Vanessa had to carry the family alone, fighting the town council for any shelter. They gave her this rundown house and a crumbling shed on the edge of town, promising something better later—but that was it. At first, she worried the kids would miss their dad, but they rallied around her, becoming her rock. They never spoke ill of him, just acted like he’d never existed. Her eldest son even tossed out all his photos, and no one argued—he’d done right.
When Marina left, the youngest son sidled up and whispered:
— Did Aunt Marina run out of money?
Patting his head, Vanessa replied:
— Why do you care, Tim? Go help your brothers—they’re already at the walls. And stay out of grown-up business!
Deep down, she knew Marina’s “car parts” excuse was flimsy. Word was, Mike had taken to gambling, blowing his paychecks. But Marina wouldn’t admit that, so she blamed the car. Sighing, Vanessa muttered to herself:
— Whatever, it’s her mess. If she’s fine with it, so be it.
True enough, as the saying goes, other people’s families are a mystery—meddling with your own rules isn’t right.
By evening, the walls were prepped.
— Great job, you finished on time! Lily, let’s make dinner. Boys, get the sauna going.
The sons headed outside. Alone with her daughter in the kitchen, Vanessa asked:
— How’s it going with Dave? Serious yet? I know you’re just dating, but time flies. You need to think ahead.
Lily sat down and said softly:
— It’s fine, Mom. We’re not rushing. Why’d you ask?
Vanessa looked her in the eye:
— I don’t want you repeating my mistakes. You know what I mean—your father turned out to be a traitor. Looked like a model family man, but inside, he was a snake. That’s why I’m asking about you and Dave. Be careful, think steps ahead.
You couldn’t blame Vanessa—she only wanted happiness for her kids.
Soon, the boys returned, saying the sauna would be ready in an hour. While Vanessa gathered clean clothes, Lily pulled a small box from the cabinet, wiping it as if it held invisible dust. Back in the room, Vanessa tilted her head:
— Cleaning that now? There’s no dust—I checked. Still curious why they gave your mom that medal?
The boys chimed in:
— Yeah, Mom, you never told us. We’ve asked forever, and you always dodge.
Sitting on the couch, Vanessa opened the box, revealing a medal. Its sight sent chills through her.
— It’s for saving someone. I was sixteen, young but responsible. Gave him a second chance, like it was meant to be.
Putting the medal away, she looked at them:
— That’s all I’ll say. Happy now? No more questions?
The kids nodded.
— Good. Boys, hit the sauna. Lily and I will go after. Don’t forget the birch branches—we need a proper steam.
The boys left, but Vanessa and Lily lingered on the couch, lost in thought. What weighed on Vanessa wasn’t clear, but Lily sensed her mom held something back. Maybe she wasn’t ready to share, or there was another reason. Lily figured there was a secret her mom wasn’t ready to spill—not yet. To shake it off, she went to peel potatoes.
Vanessa joined her soon, but her face showed she was still caught in the past. Later, at dinner, she praised the kids for their help, showing her care:
— Remember, no one’s going to push you later in life. I’ll always be here, but you need to aim for independence.
Lily spoke for them all:
— Thanks, Mom, for looking out for us. We value it.
Nodding, Vanessa wrapped up:
— Well, we did good today. Hopefully not the last time.
After dinner, she cleared the table, and Lily helped wash dishes. It was clear Lily adored her mom. She didn’t press about the medal, though curiosity gnawed at her. Better to stay quiet than make things awkward. Wishing everyone goodnight, Vanessa went to her room. But sleep didn’t come—she tossed as if on pine needles. Lily heard but didn’t check, sensing it wasn’t the time.
The next morning, the town head arrived, asking for Vanessa’s sons for a job:
— Just three hours, but good pay. Helps with your repairs—saves you dipping into your wallet. Oh, and swing by my office in an hour. Need to talk.
Vanessa gave him a curious look but got no clear answer. He waved it off:
— I’ll wait in the car. Bring buckets.
Fifteen minutes later, they left. Vanessa and Lily started laundry, soaking clothes with instructions to begin washing in half an hour. She headed to the town office. The head was late but arrived beaming:
— Talked to some folks, and we’re helping with your housing. Stop patching this shack—it’s done. Time to move somewhere better. It’ll take time, and they’ll film you for TV, but it’s worth it.
Vanessa was stunned:
— You’ve caught me off guard, Greg. What do I tell the kids? They might not agree.
But Greg insisted:
— That’s for you to figure out. We’re doing this for you. You’re a single mom—you deserve better. Should’ve happened sooner, but we’re on it now.
It was a big favor, no denying it. If Greg asked, she had to agree. That day, she talked to the kids, who, out of respect, agreed to the filming. It meant a trip to the city, so Vanessa picked their best clothes:
— Don’t forget your pendants—they’re lucky. Maybe we’ll get a house. I want to believe it, but reality says fairytales don’t exist.
During the shoot, they answered questions. At the end, a fundraiser was announced for their new home. Truth be told, Greg could’ve helped without the TV circus, but it didn’t happen, so Vanessa played along. They returned home, left to wait for the funds.
Vanessa didn’t hold much hope. She doubted people would just give money—times were tough, everyone scraping by. Why help when you’ve got your own woes? Back in town, she chuckled at Greg’s efforts but didn’t say it to his face—didn’t want to seem ungrateful. He was trying, even if it felt like a show.
Two days later, she’d nearly forgotten the TV stint when Greg burst in at dawn, waving keys:
— Get up, Vanessa, grab the kids—today’s a big day!
Confused, she woke everyone. The kids were floored—Greg was yelling like never before:
— Move it, your new home’s waiting!
Vanessa’s knees buckled, but she rallied, following Greg with the kids. He skipped the car, leading them down the street. At a stunning house, he announced:
— Welcome to your new home. Papers are almost done.
Vanessa couldn’t believe it:
— How, Greg? We just filmed!
Shrugging, he said:
— A donor stepped up, bought it for you. He’s coming soon.
Inside, Vanessa spotted a note on the kitchen table: “Thanks for the second life.”
Covering her face, she cried. The kids rushed over:
— Mom, what’s wrong?
She showed them the note:
— He remembered me, found me after all these years.
No one understood, so she explained:
— It’s from the person I saved, pulling him from a heating pipe well. Remember asking about my medal? I found a box with a baby—tiny, left by careless parents to die. I don’t know who they were—chaos followed. He went to an orphanage, and I got a medal for saving him.
Just then, a man appeared at the door:
— Vanessa, you deserve more than this house. I’ll make sure you want for nothing. I’m Val, named at the orphanage. Growing up, I asked about my parents. A caretaker said they were gone but pointed to my pendant, saying someone named Vanessa gave me a second life. I never forgot your name. Then I saw you on TV, and your kids had the same pendants.
Her kids gasped in unison:
— So that’s what you didn’t tell us. Mom, that’s heroic.
Val continued, sharing how he worked hard after the orphanage, struck it big in business, and now lived well.
— Some call me a millionaire, but I’m just a guy with money.
Vanessa listened, still in shock. So much in one day—a gift from the child she’d saved, now a grown man. Back then, he was just two scared eyes in a box. Wiping her face, she shook his hand:
— Thank you, Val. I never thought you’d find me.
Handing over the papers, he said:
— I owe you everything. Without your courage, I wouldn’t be here.
They’d forgotten Greg, standing nearby:
— Thanks to you too, Greg, for the TV shoot. It worked.
Val reached to return his pendant, but Vanessa stopped him:
— Keep it. Life’s long, and who knows what’s ahead. I’m not big on superstitions, but I gave my kids charms too.
The news spread, and neighbors gathered to celebrate the move. Val helped with the relocation and bought them a big car for one of the older boys to drive once licensed.
Luck had found their home. Who’d have thought that baby would grow up wealthy, track down his savior, and repay her? Sometimes, fate rewards kindness years later—but you have to act first. Vanessa didn’t walk away. She saved a child, gave her all, and ensured he lived.
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