The warmth of the luxury bakery wrapped around Lily like a thick wool blanket.
She stood near the front counter, water dripping from her torn shoes onto the polished floor.
Bakery Clerk: Sir, I'm sorry, but we can't let street kids stay inside the shop.
Marcus turned around slowly, his eyes flashing with sharp anger.
Marcus: She is my guest. Bring us your best birthday cake immediately.
Bakery Clerk: But sir... the other customers might complain about her appearance.
Marcus: I own three major commercial properties on this block. Do you want me to speak with your landlord?
The clerk swallowed hard, her face turning pale as she bowed her head.
Bakery Clerk: Right away, sir! I will bring out our finest cake right now.
Leo walked over to Lily and held out a soft white napkin from the counter.
Leo: Here, you can dry your face with this. I'm Leo.
Lily: Thank you... I'm Lily. I haven't had a real cake in three years.
Leo: Three years? My dad buys me a huge cake every single year on my birthday!
Lily: My dad used to work at a big car factory before he got sick.
Marcus: Come sit down at our table, Lily. Let's get you out of the cold air.
Marcus guided the two children to a private marble table near the back of the bakery.
A moment later, the clerk arrived carrying a large, beautiful two-tier white cake.
It was decorated with delicate pink frosting roses and four bright pink birthday candles.
Leo: Wow! Look at that rose cake! It looks so cool!
Lily: Is this really for me? I can't pay for any of this...
Marcus: You don't need to pay for anything, sweetheart. Today is your special day.
Marcus lit the four candles with a small metal lighter, and warm yellow light glowed on Lily's face.
Leo: Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!
Marcus: Happy Birthday, Lily.
Leo began clapping his hands rhythmically, smiling brightly at the girl across the table.
Leo: Happy Birthday! Make a wish before you blow out the flames!
Lily closed her eyes tightly, tears squeezing through her dark eyelashes.
She leaned forward and blew out all four lit candles in one quick breath.
A thin trail of grey smoke drifted toward the bakery ceiling as Leo clapped loudly.
Lily: Thank you so much... this is the happiest moment of my life.
Marcus: What did you wish for, Lily?
Lily: I wished for my dad to get his medicine so he doesn't have to sleep in the alley anymore.
Marcus reached inside his gray suit jacket pocket with a slow, careful motion.
He pulled out a thick stack of crisp hundred-dollar bills wrapped in a golden paper band.
Marcus: Take this so life gets better right now.
Lily stared at the massive stack of money, her mouth opening in total disbelief.
Lily: Sir... no, this is too much money! I can't take this from you!
Marcus: Take it, Lily. It's yours. Tell me, where is your father right now?
Lily: He is lying under the bridge down by the old river warehouse.
Marcus stood up from the marble table, his eyes filled with a sudden, serious determination.