"They're just filthy street urchins, Sarah. They'd steal your last coin given half the chance."
"That's because they're starving, Father. If we could only feed them, and get them cleaned up! Please, just try?"
The man leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "Look around you, child. Green grass and flowers are everywhere. The water in the fountain is crystal clear. How long do you think it would take for even a few of them to destroy this beautiful garden?"
Sarah bowed her head, her lower lip quivering. "Please? We can make sure they're never left alone."
He sighed, but unknown to his daughter, was beaming. "Oh, very well. We can try..."
Sarah turned and leapt up and down, until he swept her into his arms. "Oh, thank you so much - you'll see that I'm right. They'll be so grateful once they know we want to help them," she said as she nestled into his chest.
"Why can't you bring home stray kittens and orphaned birds, like other girls your age?" he asked, as his mustache twitched.
Sarah looked up into his twinkling eyes. "Because I have bigger plans."
He chuckled, then said "that's my girl, always think big! I just hope you're right about this."
Several days later, the two were standing in front of Bronson's Grocer. They heard a man shouting and cursing from within. A loud clanging of pots and pans hitting the floor made Sarah jump.
A boy of perhaps five streaked out, and Father snagged him by the collar.
"What do you have there? A nice, juicy red apple..."
The boy twisted, and tried to kick. "Let me go! I'll kick your shins to pieces if you don't!"
"Calm down. Let's go back in there, and I'll pay for your apple."
"You'll never get me back in there, mister. I ain't stupid."
"Make no mistake lad. You are going back in. But whether or not you walk out with your freedom is entirely up to you."
The boy hissed, and tried unsuccessfully to punch the much bigger man.
"Sarah, please open the door. I think it's time to find out if you were indeed correct about these street urchins."
She smiled at the boy as she opened the shop door. "We're going to be great friends, you'll see."
Still holding the now limp boy, Father said "I heard the whole thing, Mr. Bronson. Let me pay for the damages."
"No need, Mr. Latheson. The police can take it out of this one's hide... or maybe I'll just do it myself."
The boy suddenly slipped out of his ragged shirt, and sprinted towards the door.
Sarah bravely stood in front of the only escape route. "Please stay, we are going to help you."
Wordlessly he turned, and tried to sprint towards the back. Only to find himself in Mr. Latheson's grasp yet again.
"I've decided to take an interest in this one. Let me pay for the apple, and whatever was broken."
"No charge. In fact, if you can turn the little rat around, I'll give you the sum of what he owes me!"
"It's a bet. And should that happen, Sarah and I will use the funds to help more children like him."
The two men shook hands, then Mr. Latheson and Sarah left. Their new friend followed reluctantly.
"You can let go of my hand, mister. I ain't gonna run. You promised me a bowl of soup, and I ain't had a hot meal in weeks."
"I'll just keep a hold until we get there. I don't think you trust us just yet. But after you've had enough to eat, you're free to go."
The boy scrunched up his face. "Why are you doing this?"
Mr. Latheson nodded towards his daughter. "Sarah here thinks if we can help children like you to get enough to eat, that you'll stop stealing and become well behaved."
"I just might at that. I'm not lookin' for a beatin', you know."
"I'm glad to hear that. Since you're going to be our guest, what is your name?"
"It's Cole. At least that's what the other kids call me, I don't rightly know if it's my real name."
"Here's the place, Cole. I hope you're hungry, Miss Lorne said the soup would be ready when we got back."
When they opened the door, Cole breathed in the delicious aroma.
"Sarah, Cole, please go wash up for lunch."
Sarah took his hand, and tried to lead him down a long hallway.
Cole planted his feet firmly, nose pointed towards the kitchen. "What are we doing? I thought you brought me here to eat!"
She looked at his mud smudged face, and grimy hands. "Here we don't eat until we are clean."
He took one final whiff towards the kitchen, then sighed. "Well let's be fast about it."
After a thorough scrubbing, Cole emerged looking like a different boy. He put his hands on his thin hips, and glared at his host. "Now can I eat?"
"Yes, all you want."
After three bowls, Cole leaned back. "That's the best thing I've ever eaten! It was even worth scrubbing my skin off."
Mr. Latheson smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Cole. Feel free to come back again tomorrow, around the same time."
After coming daily for several weeks, Cole burst through the door at a dead run one sunny afternoon. "Mr. Latheson! I got myself a job, a real job!"
Sarah frowned then took his arm. "Cole, we don't run in the house."
He blushed, and looked at his feet. "I'm sorry, I was excited."
Mr. Latheson looked at him, eyes wide. "Where are you going to be working?"
"An old woman with a cane tripped a man carrying a bag of flour out of Bronson's. He landed on it, and it busted all over. It was real funny, but when I was done laughing I helped clean up without bein' asked.
Sarah's father rubbed his jaw. "That was the right thing to do."
"He gave me a coin for it too, and told me to come back tomorrow if I want more!"
"You should be very proud, Cole."
"I am, Sir. He said you need to come in soon too, and collect on a bet."
Cover image made in Canva Pro using their gallery