The executives rose, extending their hands. Employees in the hallway, who had overheard fragments of the story, applauded softly. Angela stood trembling, overwhelmed, but radiant.
That evening, when they walked home through the Chicago streets, Clara swung her backpack with satisfaction. Angela held her close, whispering, “You changed my life today.”
Clara grinned. “No, Mom. You changed mine first. I just reminded them who you really are.”
The tale of the little girl in the yellow dress quickly traveled beyond the walls of Ellison. It became a quiet legend within the company—a story of courage, resilience, and the remarkable moment when a child compelled a corporation to recognize the worth of a woman they had long ignored.
