Camilla finished washing the last dish, soon noticing that all her co-workers had already left. She then changed her clothes, grabbed her purse, and left through the front door, saying goodbye to the guard before heading home.
The next day, she went back to business as usual but noticed that all her co-workers were looking at her suspiciously. Suddenly, an employee named Leah told her that money had gone missing yesterday. But not only that, Leah immediately blamed Camilla for what happened.
“Camilla constantly brings that bag,” Leah accused. “Surely that’s where she hides what she steals.”
“No, that’s not true! I’m not a thief! Why are you blaming me, Leah? You know perfectly well that I would never take something that’s not mine,” said Camilla, the dishwasher.
“Well, explain that to the boss!” Leah did not stop and continued blaming her. “Better yet, I think we should call the police,” she added.
“No need to call the police,” Camilla said in a panic.
Suddenly, the head of the restaurant, Emmanuel, appeared, and everyone fell silent. He looked at them with a serious expression and then ordered Camilla and Leah to follow him.
Once in his office, he asked, “Leah, have you seen her taking the money? Why are you blaming Camilla?”
“I’ve been watching her for a long time, boss, and I’m sure she’s capable of stealing.”
“Camilla, what do you have to say in your defense? Why are you keeping quiet?” Emmanuel asked.
“I didn’t steal the money, sir. I have nothing more to say.”
“Fine, go to your jobs, but this conversation isn’t over yet,” Emmanuel replied.
At that instant, the boss’s girlfriend, Sarah, entered the office. “I don’t understand, Emmanuel. Just throw them both out and be done with it.”
“I can’t, they’re both hard workers.”
Camilla turned to the boss. “Please don’t fire me, sir. It’s hard to find a job, and I need the money.”
Sarah smirked. “She just told you to your face that she needs the money. If I were you, I’d fire her right now.”
Emmanuel just looked at his girlfriend but said nothing.
You see, Emmanuel was only 26 years old. He always had everything. Growing up in a wealthy family, he lived carefree for many years. But when he grew older, his parents realized it wasn’t good to give him everything, so they gave him an ultimatum: either he did something meaningful with his life, or he would lose his inheritance. The choice was easy. He chose to make something of himself and decided it was time to take on responsibilities. His parents helped him start a restaurant. It seemed easy at first, but running the business was a big step in his life. Now, he felt bad for not knowing how to control the situation. He couldn’t figure out who the thief was, no matter how much he thought about it.
Sarah, seeing his distress, hugged him. “Honey, you’re working too hard. You need to relax. We’re getting married in just four weeks, and it’s important to take it easy.”
“You’re right, dear. But if I can’t figure this out, I’m no good as a boss. Maybe my father was right; maybe I should’ve just worked for his company. Being a boss isn’t my thing.”
It was Emmanuel’s grandfather who believed in him and supported him with the restaurant. His parents didn’t, thinking he would fail. His grandfather had faith in him, though. When his grandfather passed away, the restaurant would belong to Emmanuel, but Emmanuel always felt the need to prove himself worthy.
“You better go out with your friends, relax a bit,” Emmanuel told Sarah. “I have things to do.”
“If that’s what you want,” Sarah smiled. “But could you give me some money?” she asked playfully.
Emmanuel laughed, pulling out his wallet. “Okay, here you go.”
She kissed him tenderly, took the money, and left. Emmanuel sighed and returned to his work.
Later that night, he couldn’t sleep. He was tormented by the thought of who could be stealing from his business. “It’s bad for the other employees,” he thought. “I don’t think Camilla would do this.”
“What are you thinking about, grandson?” his grandfather asked, finding Emmanuel in the kitchen with a cup of coffee. “Is business worrying you?”
“Hello, Grandfather. Yes, a little,” the boy confessed. He always told his grandfather everything, knowing the old man would never laugh at him or scold him.
His grandfather shook his head. “Listen, grandson, how about you help me with my problems first? I need to go to the capital for about 14 days, but I also need to finish some business abroad. How about you travel in my place? It’ll only be for six days, and it’s not a bad thing to hang out in another country. Can you take my place?”
“What about the restaurant?” asked Emmanuel.
“Why don’t you ask your mother? Let her stay in charge.”
“No, I wouldn’t want to bother her; she has her own business.”
“Then ask Sarah to help you. She’s a smart girl.”
“Well, maybe you’re right, Grandpa.”
The next day, Sarah was thrilled to learn she would be running the restaurant while Emmanuel was away. “Oh, how wonderful! I’ve always dreamed of being a restaurant manager, even for just a few days!”
“Don’t worry,” Emmanuel smiled. “It was Grandpa’s idea.”
“Well, give him a thousand thanks from me!” Sarah replied, excited.
Before leaving on the trip, Emmanuel gathered all his employees and announced that Sarah would take over while he was gone. Then he called Camilla aside.
“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to find a new job. The team thinks it’s you, and I can’t take any more risks. I don’t know why, but since you started working here two months ago, thefts began. I’m disappointed, but I won’t throw you out immediately. I’ll give you ten days to find another job.”
Camilla, with tears in her eyes, said quietly, “But I didn’t take the money.” Then she ran out the back door of the restaurant, where she burst into tears.
Nearby, a homeless man heard her crying and approached. “Can I help you, girl?” he asked.
Camilla smiled sadly. “I think you should make room for me soon. I’ll surely be by your side,” she said.
“Why are you talking like that, girl? It’s not nice to say that. Life isn’t easy when you’re here,” the old man replied.
“No offense, Grandpa. I didn’t mean it,” Camilla said.
“That’s life, daughter,” the homeless man replied.
Suddenly, Camilla had an idea. “Surely you must be hungry. I’ll bring you some food. Wait here, will you?”
The old man was surprised by her kindness. “I won’t go, daughter. I’ll wait.”
Camilla returned after a few minutes with a bag. “Here’s some food and snacks. It’s not much, but it’s what I can offer.”
The old man was grateful. “You’ve done enough for me, daughter. You have a kind soul.” He thanked her endlessly.
Camilla smiled. “If you’re hungry tomorrow, come back. I’ll feed you again.”
The old man nodded and accepted the invitation. The next day, Camilla saw him again and brought out hot soup, a warm coat, boots, and gloves.
“But why, daughter?” the old man asked, surprised.
“It’s already winter, Grandpa,” Camilla said. “Your clothes are not warm enough. You can catch a cold. These belonged to my older brother, Victor. He won’t need them.”
“No, Grandpa, he won’t,” Camilla said sadly. “My brother died in a car accident last winter.”
The old man shook his head. “That’s unfortunate. Thank you, honey.”
As Camilla spoke with the old man, Leah appeared at the back door of the restaurant. She raised her hands to her head and yelled, “Have you gone crazy, Camilla? You’re not paid to talk to homeless people! I’m going to tell Sarah right now!”
“But what’s wrong with that, Leah?” Camilla asked calmly. “Would it be easier for you if this old man froze to death or starved?”
Leah rolled her eyes. “Now you’re Saint Camilla, the one who helps the needy. You better feel sorry for yourself!” she snapped before turning and walking back into the restaurant.
“Grandpa, where will you spend the night?” Camilla asked the old man.
“Anywhere, daughter,” he replied.
“You know, I live nearby. My house is small, but I can make room for you. Why don’t you wait until I finish work? I’ll take you home.”
The old man’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, daughter,” he said.