I was working in my little clothing shop in Manchester one evening, just about to close up, when a pregnant woman walked in. I was ready to turn the sign, but she kept wandering, looking at the dresses. We started talking, and she told me her husband had left her with two kids. Things were hardshed had to move out of her rented flat and back in with her parents. They helped a bit, but then she found out she was pregnant, too late for anything but to go through with it. Nothing fit her anymoreshed outgrown it all. It wasnt my story, but I could see her searching for the cheapest thing, and even that was too much.
Exhausted, I thought, *I wont miss one dress if I give it to her.* Her face lit upso happy, so grateful. She left. Time passed. I forgot all about it.
Then, one ordinary day, a woman walked in, smiling. I wracked my brain*Do I know her?* She reached into her plain handbag and pulled out a small package. Remember me? she said. I was pregnant, came in with nothing. You gave me that dress. You told me everything would be alright, that we can bear anything life throws at us. That kindness kept me going. Shed had the baby. Three kids now, on her own, but managing. I believe things will get better. Thank you for being there when I needed it.
We hugged, wished each other well. She left. I opened the package. Insideangel wings. Just ordinary costume wings. My stomach twisted. Id given that dress half to be rid of the sadness in front of me. But somehow, in that moment, Id been an angellistening, caring, saying the right thing without even trying.
Such a small thing to pull someone from the dark. Sometimes all it takes is a few kind words and a smile when theyre walking away.
