Veysel got up silently and put on his coat with his little hands. He took his bag and looked in his pockets, as usual there was no money. He looked at me and asked, “Mom, didn’t you put my money in?” I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I tried to swallow and said, “You don’t have any money today, Veysel.” “Dad didn’t bring any money home from work.”
Veysel’s face turned pale. He slumped his shoulders and finished his breakfast silently. He didn’t say anything, but I could feel the sadness and disappointment in his eyes. I couldn’t eat my breakfast either. I felt terrible. Sending my children to school on an empty stomach was overwhelming me with guilt.
Just then the doorbell rang. I quickly opened the door. Our neighbor Aunt Ayşe was in front of me. She had a bag in her hand. “Good morning Zübeyde,” she said. “I returned the money I lent you yesterday. I also brought some breakfast in case you need it.”
My tears started to flow. I thanked Aunt Ayşe and took her inside. When I opened the bag, there was warm bread, cheese, olives and tomatoes inside. I immediately called out to my children. Veysel came running into the kitchen and when he saw the bag, a big smile appeared on his face.
I was grateful to Aunt Ayşe. Thanks to her help, my children were able to eat breakfast and did not have to go to school on an empty stomach. That day reminded me of how lucky I was in my life. There were always people ready to help and I was never alone.
From that day on, I always tried to help my neighbors as much as I could. I knew that one day someone might need me too. And when that day came, I was ready to do whatever I could.