The boss had a mind to discreetly slip a few quid to the cleaner to lend her a hand, but stumbled across something unexpected in her bag.

Tim noticed a young cleaning lady in the corner of the room, her face marred by tears.

“Excuse me, can I help? What’s the matter? Did someone upset you?” he asked softly.

The girl jumped slightly, quickly dabbing her eyes, and replied, “I’m sorry for the bother. I’m fine, really.”

“No need to apologise. Are you certain you’re alright?” Tim pressed on with genuine concern.

“Yes, really sorry, I’ll just get back to work,” she said hurriedly before scurrying away.

Left to his own devices, Tim shrugged, convinced there’s no smoke without fire. As he headed to his office, he mulled over how best to help her. It wasn’t until he reached his desk that he tossed his head back and chuckled at the inevitability of it: Tilly Barrow.

Tilly had been in the company for ages, keeping everything spick and span. Tim rifled through his notebook and dialled her number.

“Good afternoon, Tilly. Could you pop into my office in ten minutes?”

Minutes later, Tilly was perched in his office, enjoying a cup of Earl Grey.

“Maybe I just wanted a cup of tea with you?” Tim teased. “After all, who says a boss can’t take a cleaner out for tea?”

Tilly grinned.

“Oh, come on, Tim. What’s on your mind?”

“I have a question I think you’d be the best person to ask,” he said, gearing up for the chat. “What’s your take on our new cleaner?”

“She’s a decent girl. Hardworking. Life hasn’t been kind to her, but she’s got grit. What’s the issue?” Tilly asked.

“I saw her crying earlier. I asked what was wrong, but she dashed off,” Tim explained.

Tilly frowned.

“She was upset here. I told her not to let those glamorous girls get to her. They’ve got nothing but looks and lipstick. Honestly, she takes everything to heart.”

“Did they offend her?” Tim was intrigued. “What exactly happened?”

“Oh, it started as soon as she joined. Our girls are all well-groomed and dressed to the nines, while she’s just naturally lovely. They treat her poorly — snide remarks about her lack of flashiness, calling her ‘the queen of the slums’ and ‘scruffy.’ No fancy shoes or designer clothes… that’s about it,” Tilly responded.

Tim was taken aback.

“In our office? We’re all well-educated; how can this be?” he questioned.

“No, it’s true. I warned a few of them, ‘Calm down,’ but they think it’s a right laugh,” Tilly said openly.

“What’s her life situation like? Is it really that difficult?” Tim probed.

“Yes, her mum is unwell, and they won’t grant her disability benefits. She’s unable to work, but needs medication. Tilly does what she can to support them both. She’s clever, but just doesn’t have the time to study,” Tilly shared. Tim wondered how people could behave so ignobly in this day and age. He thanked Tilly for the insight and saw her out, left alone with his thoughts on the unkindness that sometimes lurks among people.

After contemplating the matter, Tim decided to take action. He opened his wallet, pulled out whatever cash he had, and made his way to the corridor where he spotted Tilly and the cleaner busying themselves with a large hall.

With plenty to do and an ample amount of time, Tim quieted himself as he crept into their supply room. Tilly’s bag caught his eye right away. As he gingerly opened it, he found her wallet, intent on secretly putting money inside to help her buy clothes. If he did it openly, it might embarrass her.

He was about to place the notes inside when he noticed a striking gold cross nestled among her belongings. That cross couldn’t possibly belong to just anyone! Tim froze at the sight.

It was unique; it belonged to his father. Memories of twenty years past hit him like a ton of bricks. His mum had fallen ill suddenly and was deteriorating fast. Young Tim watched as his father, looking worn and scared, hurried her to the doctors, but the treatment fell short.

One morning, as his mum was making breakfast, she seemed to be improving, and Tim thought they were on the mend. But just as they were about to leave the house, she turned pale and collapsed. His father scooped her up and cried:

“Quick, to the car! We’re off to the hospital!”

Tim sat in the car next to her, gripping her hand and weeping quietly. His dad drove like a man possessed; cars moved aside to let them through. They were close to the hospital when, during an overtaking manoeuvre, their vehicle was struck by another.

His dad was certain they would make it, but the oncoming car, perhaps spooked, veered off course. His dad slammed the brakes, shouting, “Blimey!” He narrowly avoided the car but caused a crash where another car flipped over.

His father rushed over to the wreckage.

By the curb, Tim spotted a young girl peering through a crack in the windshield. Her mother sat bloodied in the driver’s seat, while the girl seemed mostly unharmed. His dad freed the woman, momentarily frozen as he watched blood trickle down her cheek.

Suddenly, the mother grasped the cross around his father’s neck and murmured, “Please, help my daughter.”

His father stepped back, “I can’t,” he shouted, “my wife is dying in the car!”

He raced back, and they tore off again. Tim pleaded, “Dad, they need assistance; someone will stop, but we have to get to the hospital quicker.”

During the frantic drive, Tim noticed that his father had only a short section of chain left hanging from his neck. The whole incident was terrifying, and as they sped towards the hospital, Tim couldn’t shake thoughts about what had happened to that woman and her daughter.

When they finally arrived, it was already too late: the doctor delivered the heart-wrenching news that his mother hadn’t made it. His life was cleaved into “before” and “after,” and now, holding that cross shone with a new meaning, bringing the past full circle.

Throughout his life, neither Tim nor his father ever discussed that day. Initially, Tim investigated local reports, but soon gave up on that wild goose chase as he never found any information.

Thirteen years had rolled by. Tim’s father was long retired, exploring the world and visiting his wife’s grave but never remarried, despite opportunities.

Tim became a successful businessman, renowned in the realm, a man trying to erase all unpleasant memories…

Suddenly, a voice jarred him from his thoughts:

“Excuse me, what are you up to?”

He turned sharply to find Tilly, and it struck him how ridiculous he appeared, holding another’s wallet.

“Sorry, Tilly. This may sound daft, but I intended to give you a bonus and didn’t quite know how to do it discreetly.” He handed her the cash, muttering an apology as he hurried out of the supply room.

At home, Tim spent hours contemplating before resolving to discuss the matter with his dad.

“Dad, we need to talk,” he announced as he settled down beside him.

“Are you finally getting married?” his father quipped, raising an eyebrow.

“No, Dad, it’s not about that. Do you recall the day we took Mum to the hospital and got in that accident?”

His dad’s face darkened. “I thought you had blocked that from memory.”

“No, Dad, it’s etched in my memory. We didn’t assist anyone, and Mum was dying in the back seat!”

“Tim, we were left with no choice,” his father replied gravely.

“We didn’t even call an ambulance! Dad, the girl from that car now works for me. We must do something!”

His father started pacing, returning to his son. “How can you be so certain it’s her?”

Tim recounted the day’s events.

“Do you think I haven’t reflected on that day? The woman had grave injuries. She was doomed.”

“She survived, but life dealt her a rough hand. Her daughter shoulders the burden at just nineteen, Dad. We need to do something,” Tim insisted.

Alexander’s gaze was piercing. “Timur, it’s the past. We weren’t to blame. The driver was inexperienced. We didn’t even make contact with their vehicle.”

“I know, but Dad, there’s a chance to help now. Do you truly want someone to loathe you for life?” Timur rose. “I’ve always held you in high regard; I thought you were a strong man. Now I feel let down because you have the means to make things right.”

He walked out, enveloped by a deep sadness, finding his once-admired father now a stranger in his eyes.

When Tilly entered his office again, Tim noticed her for the first time. She was genuinely lovely, and the office banter was likely just jealousy.

“Sit down, Tilly,” Tim instructed. “We’ve quite a bit to discuss.”

Tilly looked at him nervously. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, all’s well. Sit down, please,” he reassured her, pouring her a cup of coffee as he took a seat. “Tilly, why didn’t you go to university?”

She shrugged. “I couldn’t manage it yet. Mum got very ill.”

“And what’s going on with your mum?” Tim asked pointedly.

“We were in a car accident long ago. Her spine became injured,” Tilly began. “Initially, it was pain after long walks or standing, but now it’s constant. The doctors can’t pinpoint it, and we can’t afford a top-notch clinic. I’m saving every penny. Apart from working for you, I also work security and clean stairwells. The wages are meagre, but I do what I can.”

Tim walked to the window, deep in thought. “So that accident caused all your troubles?”

“You could say that,” she nodded.

Tim sat back down when suddenly his phone buzzed — it was his father calling. Tim excused himself, “Just a moment, please.”

His father’s tone was urgent. “Timur, I met her. Had a proper chat. I’m making arrangements for her treatment at our clinic. Our best specialists will look her over. She turned out to be a lovely woman and doesn’t seem to hold a grudge. I’ll explain everything soon.”

Tim’s face lit up as he turned to Tilly. “Tilly, I want to genuinely help you. We’ll sort out your schooling and provide financial support.”

“But I can’t study, my mum…” she began to protest.

“Your mum’s already being sent to an excellent clinic. My father arranged that,” he said, eyes twinkling as he saw her eyes widen in disbelief.

“But why? What’s the catch?” she queried, still stunned.

Tim rubbed his face wearily. “I don’t know how you’ll take this, but I must tell you. I was in that overtaking car; my father was driving, and my mother was dying in the backseat. We were in a rush; she was unconscious.”

Tilly looked at him thoughtfully. “So that’s why you didn’t help?”

“Yes, Dad wasn’t himself. It’s no excuse, though. Give us an opportunity to help you now. I promise to do everything I can to change your life,” he said, heart-heavy.

He extended various forms of assistance. Tilly, overwhelmed, turned to leave but paused at the door. “I can see this has haunted you for ages. But perhaps your father needs closure too. Mum was still learning to drive; that’s why the accident unfolded. Someone called her, saying something about Dad fooling around, and she cracked. She hopped behind the wheel, and I just so happened to be with her… If it hadn’t been you, then someone else might’ve frightened her,” she finished, stepping out.

Tim felt as though a weight had lifted; clarity flooded in. He had helped Tilly, her mother, and at last, his conscience was clear.

Six months later, Tim found himself back at his father’s side.

“Dad, we need to talk,” he declared, brimming with anticipation.

“What now?” his father replied, trepidation evident.

“This time, it’s about the wedding. Tilly is about to wrap up her studies, and we’re submitting our application.”

The whole office revelled in joy at the wedding, led jubilantly by Tilly. Tilly’s mother, after extensive rehabilitation, could walk alone and even do a little jig during the celebration.

The former office bullies, once so brazen, dared not meet Tilly’s eyes as they congratulated the newlyweds.