When I was 15, my mom died. My dad had died when I was a baby. I went to live with an aunt who didn’t want me. She made me work and kept my pay. And how did you survive? By doing any work that came along. cleaning, kitchens, sales. I stayed in shelters until I could rent this little place.

Did no one ever help you when you were struggling? Some people did. Humble folks who shared the little they had. That’s why when I see someone in need, I can’t just walk by. So that’s why you helped us. Because I know life can flip in an instant. Everyone deserves a chance. Daniel ran in. Mommy Julia, the cartoon is over. Julia laughed and hugged him.

Then let’s eat. Mommy Julia, Jonah repeated, surprised. He started calling me that last week, Julia said, blushing. I told him he didn’t have to, but I like calling her mommy Julia, Daniel said. When you marry her, she’ll be my real mom. Jonah and Julia looked at each other, unsure what to say.

“Daniel, go wash your hands,” Julia said, cheeks still pink. “The boy hurried off, leaving Julia and Jonah alone in the kitchen.” “Sorry, I didn’t tell him to say that.” “No need to apologize,” Jonah stepped closer. “Honestly, I’ve been thinking the same thing. These last 3 months have been the best of my life. You reminded me what it feels like to have a family. He was being sincere.

Even though he was lying about who he was, his feelings were true. Me too, Jonathan. You and Daniel filled my life with joy. They kissed for the first time in the small kitchen. The air scented with lunch. After they ate, they went up to the roof. Daniel played with a toy car while Jonah and Julia talked.

Julia, have you ever wanted to leave here? Go somewhere better? This is my better. She gestured to the buildings around them. This community took me in when I had nothing. Mrs. Francis lent me pots when I moved in. Mr. Anthony let me run a tab when I was short on groceries. Here, we’re family to one another. When someone is struggling, everyone helps.

When someone’s happy, everyone celebrates. Jonah had never thought about it like that. In his mansion, he barely knew the neighbors. You’re special, Julia. I’m not. I just learned that people help people. And money isn’t everything. A blade of guilt pierced Jonah.

He was lying to the most genuine person he’d met. Julia, I need to tell you something. What? He stopped. He couldn’t do it. I love you. Julia smiled. I love you too, Jonathan. They kissed and made love that night. For the first time in a long time, Jonah felt whole. But in the back of his mind, a voice whispered, “How do I tell the truth without losing everything?” Jonah decided to confess the next day.

He couldn’t take the lies anymore. He’d reserved a table at a simple downtown restaurant. Daniel was excited because Jonah had told him that after dinner he could share the special secret. Julia arrived looking beautiful in a dress Jonah had never seen. Wow, you look incredible. Is that new? It is. I bought it this week.

Spent money I didn’t really have, but I wanted to look nice for you. His heart squeezed. She’d spent money she didn’t have. for him without knowing he could buy a thousand of those dresses. You always look beautiful. You didn’t need to spend anything. I wanted to. At the restaurant, Daniel was wideeyed. Dad, this place is fancy. The waiter even has a tie. Julia laughed.

It is fancy. You shouldn’t have spent so much, Jonathan. Jonah took a deep breath. Julia, I need to tell you something very important. What is it? You seem strange. It’s about who I really am. Jonah took her hand. Julia, my real name isn’t Jonathan Smith. It’s Jonah Tmont.

Tmont? What do you mean? I own Tmont Construction. I’m a millionaire, Julia. Her face went pale. She pulled her hand away. Excuse me. That day in the square, Daniel and I were running a test. We disguised ourselves as homeless to see who truly had a good heart. Julia stared, unable to process it. You were pretending. You lied to me this entire time.

Julia, I can explain. She stood, legs shaking. You lied for 3 months. You made a fool of me. It wasn’t like that. Daniel stood too, scared. Mommy Julia, please don’t be mad. Daniel, did you know? She asked, voice breaking. The boy looked at his father, unsure how to answer. Julia, sit down. Let me explain. Explain what? That you played with me? That you made me into an experiment? I never played you. I fell in love.