“A friend in the police. I checked the cameras outside the store. I know it was intrusive, but I had to thank you properly. I couldn’t let your kindness vanish.”

I hesitated. Then Lily tugged my sleeve.

“Mom,” she whispered, “it’s okay. He found us because he wanted to be happy again.”

And just like that, her words cut through everything.

The man nodded once more and walked back to the helicopter.

“Bye, lemonade man!” Lily called, waving her drink high.

He turned and smiled.

And for the first time in years, I let myself feel it.

Hope.