When the nurse swung open the heavy doors of the maternity hospital and said to the young woman, “Go with God, girl,” her voice sounded even, almost caring. But her gaze, that icy gaze, as if she was looking not at a person, but at statistics. Well, another girl, unmet by anyone, no flowers, no balloons.

Others, over there, bring brandy, thanks, candies. But this one, clearly a single mother. Why do they even give birth! They can’t provide for themselves or the child, thought the nurse, watching the skinny girl awkwardly carrying the bundle with the baby.

Alice, that’s what the young mom was called, slowly walked out of the hospital, looking around. Spring was blooming on the street, generously scattering lilac scent. Somewhere nearby, families were bursting with happiness, meeting newborns, and some men, trying their hardest not to cry, held their tiny miracles in their arms.

But no one came for Alice. She stood on the porch, trying to figure out where her taxi had gone, ordered an hour ago. It was past three in the afternoon, and now almost four, but the car was nowhere in sight.

Maybe I made a mistake, or the dispatcher. Chaotic thoughts raced through her head. But what really tormented her was one simple fact—she had nowhere to go.

The door slammed loudly behind her, and a noisy group came out onto the porch. One of the women in a bright dress with a huge bouquet was effusively thanking someone for the excellent service, another was enthusiastically explaining something to the new father, who was glowing with happiness. Alice felt out of place in this celebration of life.

Just a couple of months ago, she couldn’t have imagined being in such a situation. A year ago, she was an ordinary student. She studied, made plans, dreamed.

And now… Alice pressed the bundle with her daughter closer to her chest, as if trying to protect her from the cruel reality. Tears treacherously welled up, but she held back. No, not now.

She couldn’t break down now, only…

Alice had come to this city from a small town in Iowa. After high school, she didn’t go anywhere because she couldn’t leave her grandmother, who had raised her. Her parents died when Alice was ten.

But Grandma Valerie always believed in her granddaughter. “You’re smart, the city is waiting for you. Study, dear, break out of poverty too.”

And when her grandmother passed away, Alice fulfilled her dream by enrolling in university. She studied brilliantly, receiving a scholarship as an orphan. It seemed like life was starting to get better.

And then, in her junior year, she met him. Nick. Five years older, confident, charismatic, working at a solid company.

He turned her head so quickly that she didn’t even notice how she moved from the dorm to his apartment. Back then, it seemed like the love of her life. Nick said the right things, cared, hugged as if he wanted to protect her from the whole world.

But as soon as she mentioned marriage, he changed the subject: “Why? A piece of paper won’t change anything, only.” Still, Alice believed. Once she got her diploma, they would marry, start a family, be happy.

Then she found out she was pregnant. At first, there was euphoria; now everything would definitely be different. Now he would be with me forever, she thought.

But Nick took the news strangely. “What?” “Pregnancy.” “Well, we need to do something about it.”

“Decide quickly,” he said dryly over the phone, as if it were about choosing pizza for dinner. Alice couldn’t believe her ears. “Nick, I can’t…

I have negative Rh factor; if now, there won’t be children later,” her voice trembled. “But he just shrugged, then decide yourself.” “But I’m not getting involved, only.”

Since then, Nick called rarely. He didn’t ask about the child. Alice still hoped he would come back, change his mind.

“He loved me. How can you just forget everything we had?” She convinced herself. But reality turned out to be cruel.

When Alice was already in her eighth month of pregnancy, Nick’s mother showed up. Irene Reynolds looked at her with such contempt that the girl got scared. “Did you really think my son would marry you? What a naive country bumpkin.

He has a different life now. He’s marrying the boss’s daughter. It’s beneficial.”

“And you, you’re nobody here,” those words sounded like a sentence. Alice didn’t believe it. She called Nick.

“Is it true?” she asked, and heard “yes” in response. “And stop calling me only.” The world collapsed.

That evening, Alice could barely stand from pain and resentment. She ended up in the hospital with a threat of premature birth. The doctors calmed her, and one elderly doctor said, “Why should your child pay for the father’s mistakes?” “It’s not his fault, dear.”

Those words imprinted in her mind. “I’ll survive. I’ll manage.”

For her sake, she decided. And now, standing on the hospital porch, Alice felt just as lost as then. Time passed, but the taxi still wasn’t there….

“Where is it?” she thought nervously. As if confirming her thoughts, the baby started fussing, demanding attention. “Quiet, my little one, mommy will figure something out,” Alice whispered, looking at the noisy crowd having fun nearby.

But for now, she could only think about what would happen tomorrow. Or maybe not tomorrow, but right now. Alice finally waited for the taxi.

A black, slightly battered car screeched to a halt at the curb. The driver, a skinny man in his fifties, didn’t even get out to help with the things. He just waved toward the trunk, like, handle it yourself.

The young mom, still holding her daughter tightly to her chest, somehow placed her modest belongings and sat in the back seat. The driver didn’t even glance her way, starting to complain about traffic and weather. Alice was silent.

Listening to his whining was easier than thinking about what awaited her next. When the car started moving, she closed her eyes, trying to disconnect from reality for a moment. But then the baby fussed, letting out a quiet but insistent squeak.

Alice immediately opened her eyes and began rocking her daughter, murmuring something comforting. The driver threw a quick glance at her in the mirror. “Tough being alone, huh?” he grumbled, not waiting for an answer.

Alice just nodded. She was tired of explaining and justifying herself to strangers. Her head buzzed with intrusive thoughts.

What next? She had planned to return to the dorm, where she had temporary registration. But now, after the dorm supervisor Aunt Mary kicked her out, she was completely without a roof over her head. The taxi stopped at an old five-story building.

Alice asked the driver to wait a couple of minutes and went to the entrance. This was Nick’s house. She stood at the massive door, wondering if she should buzz the intercom.

Maybe it’s humiliating. Maybe she should just turn around and leave. But she couldn’t afford such luxury…

Alice took a deep breath and pressed the button. A minute later, an irritated voice came from the speaker. Who is it? “It’s me, Alice,” she said quietly but confidently enough.

“What do you want?” The voice was cold as ice. “To talk.” “Please.”

“It’s important.” There was a long pause. Alice waited, as if plunging into the abyss.

Finally, Nick grumbled. “Alright, come up.” She went up to the fourth floor and knocked on the door.

When Nick opened it, he looked as if he saw a ghost. Tired but still beautiful, with the child in her arms, she looked him straight in the eyes. “What are you doing here?” he asked, not hiding his irritation.

“We have nowhere to go,” Alice replied, feeling a lump in her throat. “You’re the father.” Nick just smirked.

“That’s your problem, not mine.” “I told you right away I’m not ready for a kid. Now excuse me, I have things to do.”

He tried to slam the door, but Alice managed to put her foot in the threshold. “Nick, wait. You can’t just turn away from us.”

Her voice trembled, but she didn’t give up. “Listen to yourself. I’m not obligated!” he shouted, and that ended their conversation.

The door slammed shut with a bang, leaving Alice in the cold hallway. She stood there for a few seconds, trying to gather her thoughts. Then she turned and slowly went down.

It was getting dark outside. Passersby hurried about their business; no one cared about her. Alice sat on a bench by the entrance and buried her face in the baby bundle.

“Mommy will figure something out,” she repeated in a whisper, as if it were a spell that could fix everything. Alice sat on the bench, wrapped in her thoughts, as the night city gradually sank into silence. Nearby, laughing teenagers passed, giving her a short but still judgmental glance.

The baby quieted down, as if understanding it wasn’t time for whims. Alice kissed her on the forehead and stood up, realizing she couldn’t sit there long. She wandered down the street, not knowing where she was heading.

One thought echoed in her head—she needed to find shelter for the night. Ahead loomed a dark arch leading to a courtyard. Alice turned there, feeling cornered.

And suddenly she noticed an open door to the basement. It was something. No luxury, of course, but a roof over her head.

Inside it was damp and smelled of mold. On the floor lay scraps of newspapers, empty bottles, and some strange rags. But in the corner stood an old sofa.

Worn and stained, but still better than asphalt. Alice carefully laid her daughter on the sofa, spreading a clean diaper she had taken from the hospital on top. She sat next to her, hugging the child.

Her heart pounded with fear, but fatigue took over. She closed her eyes, feeling sleep creeping in despite the anxiety. She woke up to a sharp shout.

“Hey, what are you doing lying here?” In front of her stood a man in his forties, in a dirty T-shirt and with a bright red face. Apparently, one of those who considered this basement his home.

“Sorry, I have nowhere to spend the night,” Alice replied quietly, trying not to wake her daughter. “Nowhere, you say?” he snorted. “There are ten like you here every day.

Get out, or I’ll call the police.” Alice realized it was dangerous to stay. She got up, took the child in her arms, and went out to the street.

The night was cool, and she, wrapping herself up, walked wherever her eyes led. “Maybe to the social services?” she thought, but immediately dismissed the idea. She was afraid they would take her child away.

She couldn’t allow that. She wandered along residential houses until she noticed light in one window. Flowers stood on the windowsill, and behind the glass was the silhouette of an elderly man.

“Maybe they’ll help here?” the thought flashed. Alice gathered courage and knocked on the door. An elderly man with kind eyes opened it.

He looked at her attentively, then at the child. “What happened, girl?” he asked softly. Alice couldn’t hold back the tears…

She told him everything, from the very beginning to this terrible night. The man listened attentively, then said. “You know, someone helped me once too.

Come in, no need to freeze on the street.” That’s how she ended up in this man’s apartment. He turned out to be a retired artist living alone.

His name was Arthur Simmons, and despite his age, he had amazing energy. He quickly made tea, got sandwiches from the fridge, and caringly offered Alice and her daughter to stay overnight. “Thank you,” Alice whispered, feeling the tension slowly easing.

“Thank you so much.” She laid her daughter in an old cradle that Arthur found in the attic, and finally could sleep peacefully for the first time in a long while. In the morning, Alice woke to the quiet cooing of her daughter.

She opened her eyes and saw Arthur Simmons, slightly hunched, rocking the cradle. His face shone with kindness, and a light smile played on his lips. “Good morning,” he said quietly, noticing she was awake.

“Sleep a bit more, I’ll handle it here.” Alice sat up in bed, embarrassedly smoothing her hair. She still couldn’t believe someone showed her such sincere care.

But she couldn’t lie there any longer. “Thank you,” she said, “but I can’t abuse your hospitality anymore. My daughter and I will go.”

Arthur Simmons turned to her in surprise. “Where will you go, girl? Look at yourself. You have no money, no roof over your head.

Stay here until you figure it out completely. And honestly, one solid meal is enough. It’s more fun in company.”

Alice almost cried but held back. She knew this world was harsh and rarely gave second chances. And here was her chance.

She smiled and nodded. In the following days, Arthur Simmons became something like a mentor to Alice. He showed her his paintings, told about his youth, about his wife who had passed away a few years ago.

He had no children, and he didn’t hide that Alice and her daughter’s appearance had saved him from loneliness. But Alice understood she couldn’t depend on this man’s kindness forever. Her thoughts were constantly occupied with plans on where to find work, how to provide for the child.

She remembered telling the doctor in the hospital that she could knit. “Maybe try that.” Arthur Simmons, one evening she turned to him.

“Do you know where I can buy yarn? I knit pretty well. I could make something for sale.” He thought, then suddenly slapped his knee.

“Of course. I have a friend in downtown Chicago. She has a craft store.

I’ll take you tomorrow.” That’s how a new chapter in Alice’s life began. Arthur Simmons not only introduced her to the store owner but also helped negotiate the first orders.

Alice knitted through the nights, creating tiny booties, bright hats, and even cozy blankets. The work distracted her from worries, and small successes gave her strength to move forward. After a few months, Alice managed to save a small amount.

She turned to Arthur Simmons again. “I found a room for rent. Not far from here.

Thank you for everything, but I can’t be a burden to you anymore.” He looked at her seriously, almost sternly. “Alice, you’re not a burden.

You and your little one made my life brighter. But if you’ve decided, so be it. Just know, my door is always open for you.”

They moved to a small but cozy room. Alice continued working, and Emily, that’s what she named her daughter, grew healthy and cheerful. Alice felt she was slowly but surely regaining control over her life.

And although the past sometimes reminded her with painful memories, she knew the main thing was not to give up. Because now she wasn’t alone. She had a goal for which she was ready to move mountains.

Another year passed. Alice turned from a scared girl into a confident young woman. Her knitting became a real mini-business; orders came not only from the city but also from neighboring states….

She even started a page on social media, where she posted photos of her works and told about life with her daughter. People started following her story, inspired by her resilience. One morning, when Emily was already standing firmly on her feet and happily stomping around the room, Alice received an unexpected call.

The number was unfamiliar, but something told her it was important. She answered. “Alice? This is Arthur Simmons.

I thought about it. I have an old sewing machine in the attic. I wanted to throw it out, but then remembered you said you dreamed of sewing.

Maybe it’ll come in handy?” Alice smiled, pressing the phone to her ear. Arthur Simmons continued to be her guardian angel. “Of course it will.

Thank you so much, you have no idea how timely this is.” The next day she went for the machine. Arthur met her at the door with such enthusiasm, as if waiting for his own granddaughter.

Entering the apartment, Alice noticed he looked a bit more energetic than before. Apparently, he was also pleased to keep in touch. The sewing machine opened new horizons for her.

Now Alice sewed not only for herself but also on order. She created cute onesies for babies, stylish dresses for girls, and even cozy blankets that became a real hit. One day, checking her messages on social media, Alice stumbled upon a letter.

The sender’s name made her freeze—Nick. Her hands trembled for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. She opened the message and started reading.

“Alice, hi. I hope you remember me. I want to apologize for everything that happened.

I need to talk to you. Can we meet?” Her heart clenched. Why now? After everything she went through, why did he decide to appear? Alice closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Before, she would have rushed to him, hoping for a miracle. But now she was different. She decided not to reply right away.

In the evening, after putting Emily to bed, she thought long about what to write. In the end, she typed a short message. “Nick, we’re doing fine.

Thanks for the concern, but I see no point in our meeting. The past can’t be returned, and I have important things. Good luck to you.”

After pressing “Send,” Alice felt relief. She realized she had closed that door forever. Life continued on its course.

Alice became even more independent. Her business grew, and with it, her ambitions. She enrolled in online fashion design courses, dreaming of opening her own brand one day.

But the most important thing was that she found people who became family to her. Arthur Simmons now invited them over for every holiday, and the neighbors in the house where she rented the room treated Alice and Emily like their own. She no longer felt lonely.

Three years had passed since the day Alice left the hospital with her daughter in her arms and didn’t know where to go. Now she knew for sure. Her life was just beginning, and something wonderful awaited her ahead…

After all, she had already gained the most important things—confidence in herself, love for her daughter, and faith in a better future. A few more years passed, and Alice’s life reached a new level. Her business became not just a stable source of income but the true work of her life.

Alice opened a small workshop in downtown Chicago, where together with two assistants she sewed children’s clothing. Her products attracted attention with their warmth and unique style. Clients admired her works and passed recommendations to each other.

Emily meanwhile grew up and became an incredibly curious and cheerful girl. Her laughter was music to Alice. Every morning started with sweet conversations, and in the evening they read fairy tales together, cuddling under a warm blanket that Alice had knitted back in those difficult times.

One day, on the most ordinary day, when Alice was finishing another order, a man entered the workshop. Tall, with barely noticeable gray hair and a confident gait. He looked around, then approached her.

“Good day! You’re Alice, right?” he asked with a light smile. Alice nodded, setting aside the scissors. “Yes, how can I help you?”

“My name is Ian. I’m the owner of a chain of children’s clothing stores. Clients recommended your works to me.

I’d like to discuss collaboration.” Alice froze. Her heart beat faster.

“A chain of stores!”—this was a chance she hadn’t even dreamed of. She offered Ian to sit and started telling about her products. They discussed details, and he proposed a supply contract.

For Alice, this was a huge step forward. The contract with Ian changed a lot. Now her workshop worked with double effort.

Alice hired a few more workers, and she herself started developing a new collection. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to dream big. But Ian turned out to be not just a business partner.

Over time, a friendship developed between them. He often stopped by the workshop, asked about things, and sometimes brought small gifts for Emily, books or toys. Alice was initially wary of such attention, but quickly realized there was no hypocrisy in Ian.

He was a person who simply appreciated her for who she was. One evening, when Alice was sitting in the kitchen with a cup of tea, the phone rang. It was Ian.

“Alice, I’d like to invite you and Emily to dinner. Not for work. Just because.

Do you mind?” She thought about it. The past had taught her to be cautious. But Ian was honest, caring, and seemed like someone she could trust.

She agreed. The dinner went warmly. Ian turned out to be a wonderful storyteller, and Emily quickly befriended him.

Alice watched them and suddenly caught herself thinking that she hadn’t felt so light and calm in a long time. Maybe this is what she needed. Over time, their relationship grew from friendship into something more.

But this time, Alice wasn’t afraid. She knew she could handle any difficulties, because behind her were years that taught her the main thing—never give up. Ian became part of their family.

He accepted Emily as his own, and Alice gained what she had lacked so much—a reliable shoulder and sincere support. Together they made plans for the future, and one day Ian suggested Alice open her own children’s clothing brand. Now her life was full…

Favorite work, beloved person, and the most precious—her daughter, who became happier every day. Alice knew her story started with pain and difficulties, but that’s what made her strong. And ahead awaited a life full of new opportunities.

Alice had long stopped looking back at the past, but sometimes life reminded her in surprising ways of what she had gone through. Her brand, which she named “Emily’s Wings,” became a symbol of her path from despair to success. The workshop grew into a full-fledged atelier, and Alice’s products could now be found in stores across the country.

One day, at a large children’s clothing exhibition, a young woman approached her booth. Her eyes shone with delight as she examined the fancy dresses and tiny onesies. “Do you create all this?” she asked with admiration.

“Yes,” Alice smiled, habitually explaining how her team works. But at some point, the woman suddenly fell silent, staring at Alice. “Sorry, but I saw you in an article.

You’re that Alice who started everything from scratch after…” She stopped, realizing she was prying. Alice nodded, showing neither offense nor embarrassment.

She was used to such questions. Her life story had appeared in the media several times as an example of inspiring success. “It’s true…

But I always say, the main thing is not what you start with, but how you continue,” she replied with a warm smile. The next day, returning home from the exhibition, Alice saw an old familiar place—the maternity hospital where her new life once began. She involuntarily slowed her steps.

At the entrance stood a young girl with a child in her arms. She looked just as lost as Alice once did. Alice stopped, remembering the feelings that had overwhelmed her back then.

She approached closer and spoke softly. “Hello. Do you need help?”

The girl raised her eyes, surprised by the stranger’s attention. She tried to smile, but it came out only a sad semblance. “I don’t know.

I have nowhere to go,” she said quietly, as if afraid of being judged. Alice nodded, as if she knew this answer in advance. She sat down nearby, looking into the eyes of the baby who was peacefully sleeping in her mother’s arms.

“I was once in your place. If you want, I can help you,” she offered. The girl looked at her with distrust, but something in Alice’s tone made her trust.

Together they went to a small cafe, where Alice listened to her story. The girl was named Katie, and she was in a similar situation. Child, betrayal, loneliness.

Alice understood every word, every emotion. “You’re not alone,” she said firmly at the end of the conversation. “We’ll find a way out.

I know how to do it.” That’s how a new turn in Alice’s story began. She realized that now her success was not just about her and her daughter…

She wanted to help women like herself once, to find strength and start life anew. Alice launched a support project for single mothers, providing them not only with housing but also the opportunity to learn skills that could feed them. Knitting, sewing, design—what had once become her salvation now became salvation for others.

Her project, like the brand, grew rapidly. Alice was no longer a lonely girl lost in the big world. She became an example of strength and inspiration for many.

And every morning, looking at smiling Emily, she knew it was all for her. For her wings, which now helped not only to fly but also to lift others. Alice’s project turned out to be not just successful but extremely in demand.

Soon her initiative grew into a charitable foundation, symbolically named “Emily’s Wings.” The foundation helped women in difficult life situations, provided them with temporary housing, training, and even assisted with employment. At the opening of a new help center, Alice spoke before guests and journalists.

She stood on stage, holding Emily’s hand, who had already started school and looked at her mom with pride. Alice spoke with confidence and inspiration. “Every person deserves a second chance.

I know this because I walked this path myself. And if we can support at least one woman on the brink of despair, then we’ve already made this world better.” The hall applauded standing, and Alice felt how with each new achievement her life gained more meaning.

A few months later, during one of the charity events, an elderly woman approached Alice. Her face seemed familiar to Alice, but she couldn’t immediately remember where she had seen it. The woman took her hand and, looking into her eyes, quietly said, “I’m Nick’s mother.”

Alice froze. Memories flooded back, but she quickly composed herself. The woman looked different than before…

There was no arrogance in her eyes, only fatigue and bitterness. “I came to apologize,” she continued. “Back then I was wrong.

We all were. Nick is completely alone now. Natalie left him, he lost his job and health.

But that’s not why. I wanted to say you’re incredible. And thank you for making the right choice, not giving up.”

Alice was silent, feeling something humbly quieting inside. She no longer held grudge against Nick or his family. Her life had become too rich in happiness to cling to resentments.

“Thank you for coming,” she finally said. “But I’ve let it all go long ago. I wish you and Nick to find your path…”

The woman nodded, smiled gratefully, and left, leaving Alice with a light feeling of completion. This was the last piece of the past that needed closure. A few more years passed.

Emily grew into a talented girl with a golden heart. She followed in her mom’s footsteps, helping with the foundation, and even came up with a new initiative—free creative workshops for children from low-income families. Alice was happy to see her daughter becoming the light she herself once sought in others.

Ian, her partner, became an integral part of their life. Together they traveled, developed the brand, and most importantly, enjoyed simple moments—family dinners, walks in the park, small holidays they created just for themselves. On one such evening, sitting on the terrace of their house overlooking the sunset, Alice thought about the path she had walked.

From a scared girl to a woman who helped hundreds of others believe in themselves. She looked at Emily playing with Ian on the lawn and realized that now her life was not just survival. It was happiness.