And with that, Isabella wandered through the shop, touching the toys gently, admiring every one of them like precious treasures.
Her heart ached a little.
When I was little… I used to have six stuffed toys. Papa bought them for me, she remembered. But after Papa and Grandma…
Her chest tightened.
Her uncle had burned them.
Every single one.
She blinked quickly, forcing the tears away.
Not today. Today is a happy day.
Stopping by a shelf filled with colorful crocodile plushies, she picked up one and hugged it lightly to her chest. It was soft. Squishy. Smelled faintly of new cloth and safety.
She smiled sadly, then whispered softly, "Sorry, little guy… I'll buy you next time."
She set the crocodile back gently, patting its nose.
After all she was free now.
She had a black card in her bag and a shiny new laptop.
And soon, she would earn her own money properly.
I'll pay my husband back with interest! she thought with a cheeky grin, her heart bubbling with hope.
