She was exhausted as Leah Anderson sat in her dingy apartment’s poorly lighted kitchen. Charlie, her infant, was sobbing incessantly in the next room at 2:00 a.m. Leah had been up all night comforting him, but his screams showed hunger. She had enough formula for one more feeding, but now what?

Leah, a single mother suffering financially, had no answers. Her restaurant employment barely paid rent, much alone Charlie’s necessities. She had to pawn her wedding band to purchase food and couldn’t approach her relatives for aid since they were broke too.

She checked her bank account on her phone and saw a depressing balance. Then she saw the message she’d kept in drafts for days but never sent. A number she found online was the recipient. The message requested formula donations. When Leah sought out, she got empty, more unsatisfactory replies.

However, feeling despondent that night, she wrote:

I hate to ask, but I’m out of formula and don’t get paid until next week. My kid is sobbing, and I’m clueless. Any assistance would be much appreciated. Sorry for bothering you, but I have no other options. Hey, thanks for listening.

She groaned and clicked “send” without thinking. A trembling finger lingered above the screen. She was used to apologizing for her problems, but this time she had nothing to lose. She cried quietly and lay back in her chair, expecting no answer.

Some minutes later, Leah’s phone vibrated.

Screen displayed message:

My name is Max Carrington. You reached me by accident, but I suspect you intended to send this to someone else. I know this is hard for you right now. Don’t worry about the formula—I’ll provide it.

Leah was astonished at the screen. She had no clue who this was. Max Carrington? She didn’t know the name, but it seemed familiar. Part of her suspected a swindle. They used bogus identities to get money from others, she saw. Something about the message seemed real.

Another message came before she could respond.

I can send something tomorrow. I want you to prioritize yourself and Leah, your son. Fear nothing.

Leah choked on her breath. This wasn’t fraud. She felt it in her gut. Whoever helped was genuine.

Tears fell. Leah finally hoped after what felt like a lifetime.

The following day, Leah received several enormous cartons of baby formula and a message.

This is tough, I know. I hope this helps. Please contact me for anything else.

Just Max Carrington signed the letter.

Looking at the boxes, Leah froze. She had never gotten such a large present from a stranger. Could it be? Was it a simple error that would immediately disappear?

She unpacked each package with surprise. She found more wipes, diapers, and formula in each one than she expected. Leah breathed for the first time in months. She hurriedly shot a box picture and sent Max.

Thank you, Max. This means so lot to me. I appreciate you letting me care for my kid.

Max replied fast.

I want to assist. It’s not about charity. Helping someone in need. Had been there.

Her message made Leah flinch. Was Max there? She had no idea who he was. Was he rich? A businessman? A benefactor? Why would he care for her?

Another message stopped her from asking more.

Please let me know if you need formula, food, or anything else. I can provide resources.

Leah stared at her phone’s words. She didn’t want to feel taken advantage of, but she was overcome with thanks and didn’t know how to reply. This individual was who? They did this why?

She replied after a moment,

Why assist me? Not even you know me.

Max responded instantly. I know what it’s like to feel drowning. Leah, it’s easy to assume no one cares, but they do. I can help.” Just to provide you and your kid a brighter future. You shouldn’t suffer alone.

Reading the message, Leah shook her hands. Too much to handle. She felt hope for the first time in years. Maybe Max was the answer to all her prayers.

Max sent additional parcels, each bigger and more generous, over time. He supplied her with food, paid her rent when her landlord threatened eviction, and bought Charlie a new pram and cot.

Max suddenly sent Leah a note that stole her breath away:

Would want to meet you. We should discuss in person.

She felt anxious. She had no clue who this person was or why they were helping her so much. Was this fraud? Suppose they had ulterior motives? She still got aroused. After all, Max had transformed her life so much.

A quiet café hosted the gathering the next afternoon. Leah came early, waiting with her phone. She didn’t know what to anticipate or whether she believed it.

He entered the café with force and assurance. Tall, well-dressed, with a magazine-cover face. Leah’s heart raced. His name was Max Carrington.

Warmly smiling, he approached their table. “Leah,” he put out his hand. Finally meeting you is wonderful.

Still stunned, Leah shook his hand. Never expected you to look like this.”

Max laughs quietly. “I surprised you in many ways.”

Leah opened out to him like never before as they sat down. She explained him her background, challenges, and survival strategies. Max listened attentively without judgment or interruption. Her shoulders felt lighter.

As the discussion proceeded, Max moved closer her and spoke gently. I didn’t assist Leah because I wanted to. I struggled and fought for a future like you. Please know that you don’t have to do it alone. You and Charlie have a future with me if you want it.”

Leah blinks. “You mean what?”

Max grinned. Been watching you, Leah. I want to develop that future. I’m supported monetarily and by you and Charlie. I want a family.”

Heart racing, Leah. Was this real?

Max offered her more than money after doing so much. He offered her a new life, something she never imagined imaginable.

Leah recognized she no longer faced the world alone for the first time in a long time.