“She’s at the diner. She couldn’t leave her shift. If she did, she’d lose her job. But she told me last night that she wished she could prove herself. So… I came.”
Silence lingered until Richard finally spoke.
“Clara, would you be willing to show us what you know? Something your mother taught you?”
Clara nodded and then opened the notebook again. She spoke in slow but clear sentences, describing how her mother had taught her to divide expenses into three categories: necessities, desires, and savings goals. She shared an example of how, despite having to cover rent and utilities, they were able to set aside enough money to eventually purchase a used laptop.
Once she finished, the executives weren’t smiling politely anymore—they were leaning in, listening.
Margaret whispered to Richard, “We can’t just dismiss this.”
Richard nodded slowly, his eyes on Clara. “No, we can’t.”
What had started as a strange disruption was quickly transforming into something far more unexpected—a child, through her own words, unveiling the quiet brilliance of her mother’s abilities.
News of the unusual “interview” spread rapidly throughout the building. By the time Richard walked Clara back to the lobby, curious employees were peeking out from their offices. A small crowd had gathered near the front desk, whispering about the little girl in the yellow dress.
