The story of Mary and her baby

Narrative based on a true story:

I went to spend the day in Madrid. I was walking for a few hours until I stopped for lunch and coffee. From the cafeteria window I saw a young teenage girl shivering from the cold, she squatted on a porch with a small bundle in her arms. He held out his hand in the hope that someone would deposit a few coins in his icy palm. People passed her by ignoring her.

I finished my food and went outside, looked at my wallet and thought I would give her 5 euros so that I could buy some food. I got closer and noticed that she was crying, she was about 14 or 15 years old. That bundle in her arms was a baby wrapped in a thin blanket. I felt like I had been punched in the chest. He looked up and fixed his sad eyes on mine. I asked him if he wanted something to eat. Just as we were leaving a man appeared with a box of baby food.

I invited him to eat. She was very grateful, received the burger and ate it quickly. Then he ate cake and ice cream. She opened her soul and we talked. She was 15 when she got pregnant, her parents were angry and she fought with them before running off. He had been away from home for almost a full year.

I asked him if he wanted to go home and he was silent. I tried to convince her to go home but she was afraid. He said his parents would turn their backs on him. I insisted a little more until he admitted that he stole 1.000 euros from his father before he ran away. It turns out that 1.000 euros does not last long if you have to survive on the streets and more for a 15-year-old girl. His situation was very difficult. She wanted to go back but was afraid that her parents would reject her after what she did.

We talk a little more. I wanted her to use my phone to call home but she didn't want to. I told her that if she wanted, she could call me to see if her parents wanted to talk to her. She hesitated and started making excuses until I finally convinced her. He dialed the number and I picked up the phone, his mom picked it up and said "hello." I awkwardly introduced myself and told her that her daughter would like to speak to her. Silence fell and I heard a mother cry. I gave the phone to the girl and she listened quietly as her mother was crying. Finally he said "hello." She also started crying. They spoke. Finally he gave me the phone back.

I took her to the bus station and bought her a bus ticket home. I gave him 100 euros for incidentals and a bag of diapers, wipes and snacks for the road.

When i was getting on the bus she just cried thanking over and over again. I gave her a kiss on the forehead and a hug, I kissed her baby and she got on the bus.

Every Christmas I get a Christmas card wishing me the best for the coming year. She is currently 21 years old and going to college.

Her name is Maria and her baby is Miguel.

I've never talked to anyone about this. I feel good knowing that I did something good in this world. Maybe it can make up for the things I've done wrong in this life.