Richard approached the entrance of an office, the autumn chill brushing his skin as he tightened his coat around himself.
The past few weeks had been draining and full of setbacks. Each day brought new hopes that quickly crumbled.
Only one dream guided his steps: to understand what had happened to the company he once founded and devoted his entire life to.
In the last month, he had visited every department of the company, hoping to find someone who still held the values he planted when he was young.
But they always met him with indifference, disdain, or outright refusal.
The employees no longer knew the past or didn’t want to; they had turned the company into a cold and impersonal machine where human feelings had no place.
This last branch was his final hope. Tom worked there, a young man Richard had once mentored during their studies.
Richard had spent a lot of time and effort teaching Tom every detail of the business, hoping that someday he would carry on the company’s legacy. Now, he wanted to see if anything remained.
As he neared the office entrance, his thoughts drifted to the past. He remembered when he was the great leader, adored by all.
Employees greeted him with champagne, smiles, and respect; every meeting was a celebration. Now he was just a poor and lonely man, rejected by everyone.
He didn’t notice the man who rushed beside him and collided with him. The man looked at him with contempt and shouted:
— Watch out, beggar! — then vanished inside the building.
Richard said nothing. He had grown used to such insults for months. Now he was “Richie,” a homeless man seeking warmth and human compassion.
Lately, every closed door deepened his sorrow and isolation. He felt forgotten by the world.
But facing this last hope, he gathered all his strength and stepped inside.
The guard looked at him coldly and approached.
— What do you want here, beggar? — he asked sharply.
Richard’s voice was low but firm.
— I just want some warmth and maybe something to eat.
The guard shook his head.
— This isn’t a shelter for homeless people. Get out of here!
Richard stayed calm.
— Please, just some food and water. Could you tell Tom? I think he might help me.
The guard laughed bitterly.
— Tom? If he sees you, he’ll throw you out immediately.
A faint glimmer of hope flashed in Richard’s eyes as he whispered:
— Please…
The guard sighed, looked up but finally called Tom. While waiting, Richard saw a cozy couch in a corner and allowed himself to rest a bit. When he tried to approach, the guard shouted sternly:
— Don’t even think about getting up! Stay where you are!
Richard shook his head and stepped back. Minutes later, a young woman entered the building. She greeted the guard kindly but soon saw Richard. She stopped, looked at his worn clothes and tired face, and a tenderness showed.
— Sir, are you okay? Do you need help? — she asked with concern.
Richard hesitated and replied:
— I just want some warmth, something to eat, and some water.
The woman offered him a bottle of water.
— Drink, drink! Come with me, I’ll take you to the office; there’s food there.
Richard was surprised.
— But this is your water…
— It doesn’t matter — she smiled. — Come on!
As Richard stood, the guard approached.
— Tom says no one gets in without permission.
Her face grew serious.
— But this man just wants to eat. What’s your real name?
— Richie — he answered.
— Richie just wants to eat — the woman repeated.
The guard crossed his arms.
— Tom will be here soon. Until then, you’re not allowed to go anywhere.
Her expression became more earnest.
— How rude! He’s a person like us. Why do you treat him differently?
Before the guard could reply, the elevator doors opened, and Tom stormed out angrily.
— What’s going on here? — he asked harshly.
Richard answered calmly:
— Good evening. I just wanted to warm up and eat a little.
Tom’s face twisted with scorn.
— Do I look like a volunteer? Get out! How would a client react if they saw a beggar in here?
The woman tried to protest.
— But Tom, he just wants to eat.
Tom shouted:
— And you, Lindsay, shut up! You’re just an assistant! Go back and work!
He ordered the guard:
— Throw him out! And you — pointing to the woman — come with me.
Passing by Richard, Lindsay whispered:
— Go out the back door, I’ll take you for food.
Richard shook his head as the guard pushed him outside. Outside, the cold wind hit his face.
Minutes later, Lindsay appeared at the back door with a warm smile.
— Come, there’s a nice restaurant nearby. It’s not fancy, but the food’s good — she said, starting to walk.
Richard followed gratefully.
— I don’t know how to thank you. Your name’s Lindsay, right?
She laughed and shook her head.
— My real name’s Nancy. Tom changes my name every day. It’s easier for him that way. But never mind, you don’t have to thank me; it’s the least I can do.
They walked in silence until they reached the restaurant. The waiters looked at them oddly, but Nancy ignored it. She sat across from Richard and handed him the menu.
— Order whatever you want, I’ll pay — she said.
Richard thought and asked:
— Do you earn enough to pay for a stranger’s meal?
Nancy sighed; her smile started fading.
— Not really. When I started, Tom promised a better salary but then changed his mind, saying it was too much for a newcomer.
Richard clenched his fist under the table, a spark of anger flaring inside him. Tom was a stranger to him now.
Nancy noticed the tension and hurried to say:
— But money’s not the important thing. My grandmother used to say kindness is the best reward. Even if it’s not, I like helping.
She grew shy and blushed.
— Oh, maybe that sounded strange… I didn’t mean it like that…
Richard reached out over the table and said kindly:
— It’s okay. I really need help, and your grandmother was a wise woman.
Nancy smiled and pulled out her wallet, paying without hesitation. Then she wrapped food for Richard and gave it to him with a smile.
He hesitated but accepted the kindness he hadn’t felt in a long time.
When he looked at her, he saw not only kindness but a genuine heart. At that moment, he realized he had finally found what he was searching for: someone who truly cared.
Nancy returned to the office, ready to face another round of Tom’s insults.
But something had changed. Instead of the usual chatter, the atmosphere filled with serious whispered conversations. People gathered in anxious groups, and Nancy approached a trusted colleague.
— What’s happening? — she asked.
The colleague looked surprised.
— The company’s owner died. He had no children, and no one knows who the heir is.
Nancy’s heart almost froze.
— And now?
— Tom thinks it’s him — the colleague explained. — We’re waiting for the lawyer to sort everything out.
Then the elevator doors opened, and the lawyer stepped out. Tom rushed over, nearly blocking his path.
The lawyer ignored him.
— I’m not here for talks — he said firmly. — I want to speak with Nancy.
The room fell silent; all eyes turned to her. Her heart pounded, unable to believe the attention.
— Me? — she asked shyly.
The lawyer nodded.
— Are you Nancy?
— Yes — she replied, increasingly confused.
— Then we need to talk privately.
Nancy agreed and followed the lawyer to a conference room. Once the door closed, she couldn’t hold back her questions.
— I don’t understand what’s going on.
The lawyer’s face was serious.
— You’re the new owner of the company. Congratulations.
The words echoed in the small room, like a shout of astonishment.
— WHAT?
The lawyer calmly placed a folder on the table.
— Here are the documents Richard signed. Now you’re responsible for the company.
— But… why me? — Nancy asked, overwhelmed.
— Richard left the company to you — the lawyer answered, showing a letter. — And here’s a message from him, almost forgotten.
Nancy opened the letter eagerly.
“Dear Nancy,
Six months ago, I learned I was ill. The news shocked me, and honestly, I lived much longer than expected. What kept me alive was the thought that I had no one to leave my company to.
I had no wife or children, at least none I knew. The future of the company was uncertain, and it weighed heavily on me.
A month ago, I decided to visit all my branches to find someone who could continue my dream. I didn’t want to be known as the owner but as a homeless man.
I wanted to see the true face of those working for me — how they treat someone who seems to have nothing.
Honestly, I was deeply disappointed. No one opened the door for me. Humanity and respect were missing; I almost lost hope. Until I found you.
Nancy, you and your kindness made me believe again. Despite your youth and lack of experience, I see a heart full of compassion and honesty.
These are the most important values, worth more than knowledge or skills.
Be kind to yourself. Lead the company with kindness and wisdom, and everything will be fine.
Sincerely, Richard
(Or as they called me: Richie)
P.S.: Your first task is to fire Tom and call Tim.”
