“And you, you little gutter rat, you ruined it!”
In the silence, Dana’s voice was steady and full of a dignity Sarah would never understand:
“You’re wrong. I have nothing. Last night, I spent my last fifteen dollars on milk for this baby. I’m poorer than you’ll ever be. But I would never hurt a child for money. Being poor doesn’t give you the right to be a monster.”
The girl’s words felt like a final judgment.
Timothy Sterling signaled the guards to take Sarah into a side room and call the police. Elizabeth walked slowly toward Dana, her hands outstretched.
“May I?” she asked through tears, looking at the dirty sweater bundle.
Dana nodded and gently handed the baby over.
Elizabeth pulled her real son to her chest, breathing him in—a scent of rain and cheap formula, but he was hers.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice shaking as she gripped Dana’s hand. “Thank you for saving him.”
Timothy wrapped his arms around both of them, his eyes wet.
Dana felt out of place in the family embrace and looked at Sarah’s baby, who was being held by a confused nanny.
“What happens to him?” Dana asked quietly. “He didn’t do anything.”
Timothy wiped his face and looked at the innocent child who had been a pawn in his mother’s scheme.
“We’ll make sure he’s taken care of,” he said firmly. “No one gets left behind today.”
An hour later, the chaos had subsided. Sarah was in custody, and the guests had been cleared out. The Sterlings were discussing the future of the other baby.
“I know a place,” Timothy said thoughtfully. “St. Jude’s Children’s Home. It’s a top-tier facility; we’ve donated to their building fund for years.”
“We’ll set up a trust for him,” Elizabeth added, refusing to let go of Leo for even a second. “He’ll have the best care and a fresh start.”
“Can we call him Daniel?” Dana suggested. “He was small, but he was brave.”
“Daniel it is. It’s a strong name.”
Soon, a town car was taking them to the outskirts of the city. The home was a beautiful colonial house with a large garden, nothing like the cold institutions Dana feared. The director met them with warmth and compassion.
The Sterlings handed over the baby along with a commitment that would ensure his education and future were secure.
“We’ll find him a wonderful family,” the director promised, taking the infant.
Dana stood by the window, looking at the bright rooms and the kids playing outside. She felt it was time for her to head back to the streets.
“Dana,” Timothy said, kneeling so he was at eye level with her. “You’re a hero. We want to thank you properly. Tell us what you want. Anything.”
Dana looked at her filthy clothes, then at the warmth of the house. She didn’t want a reward that would run out in a week.
She wanted what she’d seen in Elizabeth’s eyes.
“I don’t want money,” she said softly. “I don’t have anyone. Can I stay here? I’ll work, I’ll help out. I just want to be somewhere safe.”
Elizabeth stepped forward and took the girl’s hands in hers.
“Dana, listen to me. You aren’t going to a home. You saved our son. You’re part of our family now.”
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