“If you carry me up the stairs, I’ll tell you ONE secret,” said the sick Little Girl.. The man’s hair stood on end from what he heard.…… … … 😲😲😲 The autumn afternoon painted the old courthouse steps in shades of gold as Tyler Matthews sat with his worn toolbox, catching his breath after fixing the broken heating system inside. At thirty-four, Tyler had weathered hands that spoke of honest work and a gentle heart that drew people to him like warmth from a fire. He was preparing to leave when a small voice interrupted his thoughts.
Mr, could you help me? Tyler looked down to see a little girl standing at the bottom of the stone steps. She wore a soft blue sweater and a pink knitted hat with a cheerful pom-pom. Her teddy bear was clutched tightly in her small arms, and though her face was pale, her eyes held a brightness that made Tyler smile. Hello there, sweetheart, Tyler said, setting down his tools. I am Tyler. What is your name? I am Sophie, she replied, her voice soft but clear.
I live up there with my grandma, but the elevator stopped working again. Tyler glanced up at the old apartment building next to the courthouse. He knew the building well, having fixed various things there over the years.
The elevator had been giving trouble for months. That is quite a lot of steps for little legs, Tyler observed gently. Sophie nodded seriously, then looked at him with a kind of direct gaze that only children possess.
Mr. Tyler, if you carry me up the stairs, I will tell you a secret. It is a very important secret. Something in her voice made Tyler pause.
There was a wisdom in her words that seemed beyond her four years, and a quiet sadness that tugged at his heart. Sophie, I would be happy to help you get home, Tyler said, kneeling down to her level. But you do not need to give me anything in return. Sophie shook her head firmly. No, this secret is special. My grandma says that when someone helps you, you should always give something back.
Tyler studied the little girl’s determined expression. There was something about her that reminded him of his own daughter, who lived far away with her mother. The same stubborn kindness, the same earnest way of speaking. All right, Sophie, he agreed. I accept your offer. Tyler gathered his tools with one hand and carefully lifted Sophie with the other. She was lighter than he expected, settling against his shoulder with complete trust.
As they climbed the stairs together, Sophie pointed out things along the way. The window where Mrs. Chen always had flowers. The door where Mr. Peterson played his violin each evening. Each detail revealed how closely she observed the world around her. You know everyone in this building, Tyler commented as they reached the third floor. Grandma says it is important to notice people, Sophie replied. She says everyone has a story worth knowing.
When they reached the fourth floor, Sophie directed him to apartment 4B. The door opened before they could knock, revealing a woman in her 70s with silver hair and worried eyes. Sophie, there you are, the woman said, relief flooding her voice. Then she noticed Tyler. Oh, hello. I am Eleanor, Sophie’s grandmother. Tyler Matthews, hmm, he replied, gently setting Sophie down. I gave Sophie a ride up the stairs. The elevator seems to be acting up again. Eleanor’s expression softened with gratitude. That was very kind of you. Sophie has been having some health challenges lately, and the stairs can be difficult for her.
Sophie tugged on Tyler’s jacket. I promised you a secret, remember? Tyler knelt down beside her. I remember, Sophie. What is your secret? Sophie glanced at her grandmother, who nodded encouragingly. Then she leaned close to Tyler and whispered, her words unfolding like a shadow in the quiet room. The man’s hair stood on end from what he heard.…
… … … 😲😲😲 Continuation in the first comment under the picture 👇👇👇