I thought I was being fair when I fired Celia for being late three times—our policy is strict. She didn’t protest, just left quietly. Later, I overheard coworkers say she’d been living in her car with her young son.

She was late because she had to drive across town to shower at a church before school and work. I felt sick with guilt. I tried calling her—no response. After searching shelters and churches, I found her parked in a grocery lot.

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “Let me help.”

I gave her job back, helped her find housing, and connected her with support programs. Weeks later, she thanked me—not just for the job, but for seeing her.

That day, I learned: rules are important, but compassion matters more.