It began as an ordinary tram ride, crowded and weary. Then she entered—a woman balancing a baby in one arm and a heavy bag in the other.
Her swollen eyes and bent posture spoke of burdens heavier than what she carried. No one moved. Despite my own aching back, I rose and offered my seat. She accepted with the faintest nod, clutching her child as though whispering prayers into its ear.
At her stop, she disappeared into the rain. But in my bag, I found a damp cloth bundle: a wooden carving of a mother and child, with a note—“Thank you. May this protect you and your child.” Tears filled my eyes. One simple gesture had become a lasting lesson in kindness.