Man Finds a Baby Boy Wrapped in Blankets in a Basket and Adopts Him—17 Years Later, a Stranger Returns for the Boy

A grieving, lonely fisherman found hope and a reason to live when he discovered a baby boy abandoned on his doorstep. He adopted the boy and raised him with boundless love and pride. But 17 years later, a wealthy stranger arrived, threatening to tear their world apart and take the boy away.

The weathered fishing boat rocked gently against the dock as Lucas secured the last knot. At 54, his calloused hands moved with practiced ease, even as arthritis crept into his joints.

The small house on the village outskirts waited for him, just as it had every evening since Maria passed. No children’s laughter, no warm embrace — just the quiet company of his thoughts and the photos of the woman he’d loved too much to replace.

A man tying a boat | Source: Midjourney

A man tying a boat | Source: Midjourney

“Evening, Lucas!” Old Tom called from his porch. “Good catch today?”

“Just enough,” Lucas answered, lifting his basket. “The fish aren’t as lonely as we are, eh?”

“You ought to get yourself a dog at least,” Tom suggested, not for the first time. “That cottage needs some life in it.”

Lucas smiled politely but said nothing. Maria had loved dogs. That was reason enough not to get one.

A sad man standing outside his cottage | Source: Midjourney

A sad man standing outside his cottage | Source: Midjourney

The flames danced in the fireplace as he settled into his chair, another solitary evening stretching before him. The day’s routine played through his mind: watering the tomatoes at dawn, feeding the chickens, and walking the empty streets to his boat.

He glanced at Maria’s photo on the mantel. “Should’ve listened when you wanted children,” he murmured. “Always said we had time. Now look at me, talking to your picture like you might answer back.”

Suddenly, a sound cut through his thoughts, faint but distinct. It was like a whimper or a cry carried on the winter wind. Lucas lowered his coffee cup and listened. There it was again, more insistent this time.

A man sitting by the fireplace | Source: Midjourney

A man sitting by the fireplace | Source: Midjourney

His joints protested as he rose and shuffled to the door. The porch boards creaked beneath his feet as he peered into the darkness. Another cry, clearer now.

“Hello?” he called, but only silence answered.

His heart nearly stopped when he saw it — a woven basket on his doorstep, blankets stirring inside. As he knelt beside it, tiny fingers reached up, grasping at the cold night air.

“Dear God,” he whispered, gathering the bundle into his arms. A baby boy, no more than a few months old, stared up at him with big, curious eyes.

A baby wrapped in blankets in a basket | Source: Midjourney

A baby wrapped in blankets in a basket | Source: Midjourney

“Where did you come from, little one?” Lucas scanned the empty street, but whoever had left this precious cargo was long gone, leaving just a note in the basket:

“Don’t look for me. Please take care of him. And love him like your own. Thanks & Goodbye.”

The baby whimpered, and Lucas felt something stir in his chest. It was an emotion he thought had died with Maria.

“Shh, it’s alright,” he soothed, cradling the child close. “Let’s get you warm. Maria,” he whispered to the night sky, “I think you might’ve had a hand in this. You always said miracles come when we least expect them.”

A man holding a baby | Source: Unsplash

A man holding a baby | Source: Unsplash

Inside, Lucas wrapped the baby in one of Maria’s old quilts, its faded flowers still soft after all these years. The infant’s cries settled into gentle coos as Lucas warmed some milk on the stove, remembering how old Tom’s daughter used to feed her babies.

“You need a name, little one,” he murmured, testing the milk’s temperature on his wrist. The baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around his weathered thumb, holding on with surprising strength. “You’ve got a good grip there. Like a fisherman.”

The baby gurgled, his eyes fixed on Lucas’s face with what seemed like curiosity. A tear rolled down Lucas’s cheek as he remembered Maria’s words from years ago: “A child’s love is the purest thing in this world.”

A baby covered in a cozy white blanket | Source: Unsplash

A baby covered in a cozy white blanket | Source: Unsplash

“Matias,” he said softly, the name coming to him like a whisper from the past. It was Maria’s father’s name, a good strong name for a boy. “What do you think about that, little one? Would you like to be Matias?”

The baby cooed, a smile breaking across his tiny face. Lucas felt his heart melt completely.

“Then it’s decided. You’ll be my son, Matias. I may not have much, but everything I have is yours. We’ll figure this out together.”

A man holding a baby | Source: Midjourney

A man holding a baby | Source: Midjourney

That night, Lucas made a makeshift crib from an old wooden crate, lining it with soft blankets. He placed it next to his bed, unable to bear the thought of the child being alone in another room.

As moonlight filtered through the window, he watched Matias’s chest steadily rise and fall.

“I promise you,” he whispered, reaching down to touch the baby’s velvet cheek, “I’ll be the father you deserve.”

The baby slept peacefully, one tiny hand still curled around Lucas’s finger, as if already knowing he was home.

A baby holding a man's finger | Source: Pexels

A baby holding a man’s finger | Source: Pexels

Seventeen years passed like leaves on the wind.

The garden grew fuller, nourished by the sound of Matias’s laughter. Every morning, Lucas would wake to find Matias already in the garden, talking to the chickens as he fed them.

“Morning, Dad!” Matias would call out. “Rosa laid two eggs today. She’s your favorite, isn’t she?”

“Just like you’re my favorite son,” Lucas would reply with a wink.

“I’m your only son,” Matias would laugh, the sound warming Lucas’s heart more than any summer sun.

A cheerful teenage boy laughing | Source: Midjourney

A cheerful teenage boy laughing | Source: Midjourney

One morning, as they worked together in the garden, Matias looked up suddenly. “Dad? Remember when you told me about finding me?”

Lucas’s hands stilled on the tomato vines. “Of course.”

“Were you… were you ever sorry? That someone left me here?”

Lucas pulled his son close, soil-covered hands and all. “Matias, you weren’t left here. You were given to me. The greatest gift I’ve ever received.”

“Even greater than when Mom said yes to marrying you?” Matias asked, his voice muffled against Lucas’s shirt.

“She would have loved you to the moon and back,” Lucas said, his voice rough with emotion. “Sometimes I see her in the way you tend to these plants. She had that same gentle touch.”

A cheerful older man smiling | Source: Midjourney

A cheerful older man smiling | Source: Midjourney

Each morning, Lucas watched his son devour breakfast before school, marveling at how the abandoned baby had grown into this bright, energetic young man. Matias’s eyes — so mysterious that first night — now sparkled with intelligence and mischief.

“Dad!” he called, bursting through the door after school. “Coach says I might make team captain next season!”

Lucas looked up from his fishing nets, pride warming his weathered face. “That’s my boy. Your mother would have—” He caught himself, as he sometimes did, speaking of Maria as if she were Matias’s birth mother.

A delighted teenage boy at the doorway | Source: Midjourney

A delighted teenage boy at the doorway | Source: Midjourney

“Tell me about her again?” Matias asked softly. “About how she used to garden? How she’d sing while cooking?”

“Another time, son. These nets won’t mend themselves.”

“You always say that,” Matias teased, grabbing an apple from the bowl. “One day you’ll run out of nets to mend, and then you’ll have to tell me everything.”

“Everything, eh?” Lucas chuckled. “Like how you used to think the chickens laid different colored eggs because they ate rainbow seeds?”

Suddenly, the screech of tires outside cut through their comfortable chatter. Through the window, Lucas watched a sleek red Mercedes pull up. It looked completely out of place in their humble neighborhood, like a peacock in a chicken coop.

A red car outside a cottage | Source: Midjourney

A red car outside a cottage | Source: Midjourney

A tall man in an expensive suit emerged from the car, his shoes too shiny for their dusty street. He approached with purpose, each step measured and confident.

The knock, when it came, seemed to echo through the house.

“Can I help you?” Lucas asked, opening the door just wide enough.

“Mr. Lucas?” The man’s voice was cultured and careful. “I’m Elijah. We need to talk about the boy. I’m here to take him.”

A rich, suited man at a doorway | Source: Midjourney

A rich, suited man at a doorway | Source: Midjourney

The words hit Lucas like a gut punch. He had always lived in constant fear of their peaceful life being shattered. But he never imagined it would happen so quickly.

“Who on earth are you? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, his fingers tightening on the doorframe until his knuckles went white.

“I think you do.” Elijah’s eyes fixed on a point over Lucas’s shoulder. “Hello, Matias.”

“How do you know my name?” Matias stepped forward, despite Lucas’s protective arm.

“Because you’re my nephew and I’ve been looking for you for 17 years.” Elijah’s voice softened. “May I come in? This isn’t a conversation for doorways.”

A startled teenage boy | Source: Midjourney

A startled teenage boy | Source: Midjourney

Lucas felt his legs go weak, but he stepped aside. In the living room, Matias sat close to him on the worn sofa, their shoulders touching.

“You can’t just come in here,” Lucas said, his voice trembling. “You can’t just walk into our lives after 17 years and—”

“Dad,” Matias touched his arm gently. “Let’s hear him out.”

The story spilled out like water from a broken dam. Elijah spoke of his sister — Matias’s mother — of her struggles, her disappearance, and her deathbed confession just weeks ago.

A shocked senior man | Source: Midjourney

A shocked senior man | Source: Midjourney

“She was young and scared,” Elijah explained, his perfectly manicured hands clasped in his lap. “Our father wouldn’t have understood. She ran away with you after her boyfriend, your dad, dumped her, hoping you could have a better life than she could provide at that time.”

“So she left me on a doorstep?” Matias’s voice cracked. “Like I was NOTHING?”

“She watched,” Elijah said softly. “She watched Lucas take you in. Watched from afar as you grew. She chose this house because she’d seen Lucas with his wife, before. She knew you’d be loved here. She told us everything when we found her, after 17 exhausting years.”

A man staring at someone | Source: Midjourney

A man staring at someone | Source: Midjourney

“You have to understand,” Elijah continued, turning to Lucas, “he’s all we have left of her. And there’s so much waiting for him. The best schools, connections, opportunities. A life beyond…” he gestured at their modest surroundings.

“This life,” Lucas interrupted, his voice fierce, “has been filled with more love than any luxurious mansion could hold.”

“Dad, please,” Matias whispered, squeezing his hand.

A distressed older man holding his head | Source: Midjourney

A distressed older man holding his head | Source: Midjourney

“He’s right though, isn’t he?” Lucas’s voice broke. “You deserve more than fish nets and vegetable gardens. More than an old man’s company.”

“He deserves a better life,” Elijah chimed in.

“I want to go,” Matias said softly after a long silence.

Lucas turned, stung. The words felt like Maria dying all over again.

“Son—”

An emotional teenage boy with his eyes downcast | Source: Midjourney

An emotional teenage boy with his eyes downcast | Source: Midjourney

“Just to know them. To understand.” Matias’s eyes pleaded for understanding. “I’ll come back, Dad. I promise. I need to know where I came from to know where I’m going.”

“Of course you will.” Lucas forced the words past the lump in his throat. “This is your home. It always will be.”

The goodbye was quick, too quick for 17 years of love. Lucas helped pack a bag, his hands shaking as he folded Matias’s favorite blue sweater, the one he’d saved three months of fishing money to buy.

An emotional man holding a blue sweater | Source: Midjourney

An emotional man holding a blue sweater | Source: Midjourney

“The garden,” Matias said suddenly, pausing at the door. “Don’t let it die while I’m gone. Mom’s roses especially.”

Lucas nodded, not trusting his voice.

“I’ll call every day,” Matias promised, hugging him fiercely. “Every single day. And I’ll be back before you know it.”

Lucas stood in the doorway, watching the red Mercedes disappear, taking his heart with it. The last thing he saw was Matias’s face turned backward, watching him through the rear window, pressing his hand against the glass.

A boy sitting in a car | Source: Midjourney

A boy sitting in a car | Source: Midjourney

Days blurred together. And the silence around Lucas grew heavier with each passing week.

Matias’s calls came regularly at first, full of wonder at his new world. Then, less frequently, shorter, until they felt like conversations with a stranger.

The vegetables ripened and died on the vine. Lucas couldn’t bear to pick them up without Matias’s help. Even the chickens seemed to miss him. Rosa wouldn’t lay eggs for days, and the others pecked listlessly at their feed.

“He’s not coming back, is he, girl?” Lucas murmured to Rosa one morning. “Can’t blame him. Who’d choose this hut over the castle they’re offering him?”

A sad older man hugging a chicken | Source: Midjourney

A sad older man hugging a chicken | Source: Midjourney

Every night, he’d sit in Matias’s room, looking at the soccer trophies, the school photos, and the little seashell collection they’d gathered together over the years.

“He’s living the life he deserves,” Lucas told Maria’s picture each night. “The life you’d have wanted for our own. But God, I miss him. Miss him like I miss you.”

The house felt bigger somehow. And emptier. The silence was no longer peaceful but oppressive. Lucas found himself talking to the chickens more, just to hear a voice — any voice — in the yard.

A teary-eyed older man sitting in a chair | Source: Midjourney

A teary-eyed older man sitting in a chair | Source: Midjourney

Then, one evening, a knock came at the door as Lucas sat staring at his untouched dinner. Different from that first time. Softer, uncertain.

He opened the door to find Matias standing there, shoulders slumped and eyes red.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Matias said simply. “The beds are too soft and the house is too big. Everything’s too much and not enough.”

“Son, what are you—”

A heartbroken boy holding his head | Source: Midjourney

A heartbroken boy holding his head | Source: Midjourney

“They’re nice, Dad. They’re my blood. But you’re…” Matias’s voice broke. “You’re my FATHER! The only one I’ve ever needed. The only one I’ll ever need. I can’t be without you.”

“The chickens have been clucking your name all day!” Lucas joked, wiping away a tear.

“Just the chickens?” Matias managed a watery smile.

Tears welled in Lucas’s eyes as he looked at his son, his heart overflowing with love and pride. “What about your uncle?”

An emotional older man crying | Source: Midjourney

An emotional older man crying | Source: Midjourney

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’m sure he’ll come for me again. But this time, I’m not leaving you… no matter what.”

Lucas pulled him close, feeling the tears soaking into his shirt. “Welcome home, son! Welcome home.”

As they walked into the house, Matias looked around, his face glowing with nostalgia and relief. He took Lucas’s hand, holding it tightly as if to make up for the weeks they’d been apart. They knew they were all each other needed.

Silhouette of a man with a teenage boy | Source: Midjourney

Silhouette of a man with a teenage boy | Source: Midjourney

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

My Friend Asked Me to Find out What Her Date Thinks of Her While I Was in a Clown Costume, but I Had No Idea How It Would End — Story of the Day

Being a radio host who gives dating advice doesn’t make navigating love any easier—especially when I crashed my best friend’s first date dressed as a clown. What happened that night was unexpected, and now I’m caught in a situation I never saw coming. Sometimes, life takes you where you least expect.

Once again, I found myself in Lucy’s cozy kitchen, she animatedly talked about yet another man who had caught her attention. Lucy’s love life was always buzzing with activity, unlike mine.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Finding a partner wasn’t easy for me—I didn’t want to date just to avoid being alone.

I believed it was better to wait than to settle, even if that meant coming home to my cat instead of a husband.

“He’s perfect!” Lucy said, pulling me out of my thoughts. “We’ve been texting nonstop. He’s so sweet. I think he might be different.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“So, you haven’t actually met him yet?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not yet, but we’re meeting Friday. I’m so excited. I can feel this is going to be great!” she said.

I smirked without meaning to.

“What’s that look for?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Nothing. It’s just… you don’t even know him yet. People can seem amazing online but be completely different in real life,” I said.

“You’re so distrustful. That’s why you don’t have a man,” Lucy replied, crossing her arms.

“I don’t have a man because men are idiots,” I said with a shrug.

“Not Mike. He’s wonderful. I think he might even be the one,” she said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Listen to your heart,” I replied. That was my go-to advice, though Lucy said it about every guy she met.

After that evening, I forgot about Mike and Lucy’s upcoming date—until Friday arrived, and I received a message from her.

There I was, dressed as a clown, surrounded by kids—my niece’s friends—because my brother had forgotten to hire an entertainer for her birthday party.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The striped clown suit was too tight, and the red wig itched like crazy. I could feel sweat dripping down my back as kids tugged at my oversized shoes and poked my sides.

“Well, you can do it,” my brother had said, as if asking me to juggle balloons and make kids laugh was no big deal.

“I’m a radio host, not an entertainer!” I snapped.

“It’s basically the same thing,” he replied with a grin.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Even though I wanted to storm out, we both knew I wouldn’t. I always stepped in for family, no matter how ridiculous the request.

As I tried to keep the kids from snatching my wig, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I quickly checked it, careful to keep my clown nose in place.

@Lucy

When will you be free???

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Me

About half an hour

@Lucy

I need your help!!!!

@Me

What happened??

I frowned. Lucy was on her date with Mike. Had something gone wrong?

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Lucy

I don’t know if Mike likes me! I need you to find out!

@Me

How am I supposed to do that?

@Lucy

You do this all the time on your radio show!

@Me

I’m in a clown costume!!!

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Lucy

Pleaseeeeeee

@Me

Fine, but you owe me.

@Lucy

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sighed, stuffing my phone back into my pocket. After peeling off the kids and saying goodbye, I messaged Lucy for the location and called a cab.

When I walked into the dimly lit bar, Lucy spotted me instantly and waved enthusiastically.

I hesitated, adjusting my ridiculous clown wig as a group of strangers gave me confused looks. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to their table.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lucy beamed as I sat down. “Mike, this is Trish, my best friend,” she said.

“Nice to meet you,” Mike said. His eyes briefly flicked to my bright red nose.

“Hi,” I replied, trying to ignore how ridiculous I looked.

Lucy launched into small talk, but the conversation quickly shifted. Mike mentioned a classic movie, and I couldn’t help but jump in.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You’re into old films?” I asked, intrigued.

“Big time,” Mike said, his face lighting up.

We exchanged favorite titles, diving into directors and scenes. Lucy fidgeted, looking uninterested. I tried to change topics, but Mike kept steering it back.

When Lucy excused herself, I leaned in. “So, what do you think of Lucy?” I asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Um… I mean, she’s cute,” Mike said, glancing away like he wasn’t sure how to answer.

“Nice? Lucy is more than cute. She’s amazing,” I said, my voice firm. “She’s funny, smart, and a great cook. I go to her place for dinner sometimes because I can’t stand cooking.”

“I love cooking,” Mike said, smiling a little.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“See? You two already have something in common,” I said, trying to be encouraging. But then he looked right at me.

His eyes seemed to study mine, and for a moment, I felt something strange. It was like a spark, something unexpected. My cheeks got warm, and I quickly smiled back.

“But I don’t want to argue over who cooks dinner,” Mike said, breaking the moment. “There should only be one chef in the kitchen.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I laughed. “So, you’re the chef?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Always,” he said with a grin, and we both laughed.

Just then, Lucy returned to the table. “What’s so funny?” she asked, looking between us. “Were you talking about me?”

“Sort of,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Mike’s phone buzzed, and he excused himself to take the call. The moment he left, Lucy turned to me eagerly. “So? What does he think of me?”

“He thinks you’re cute,” I said carefully. “What do you think of him?”

“I don’t know,” she said, her brow furrowing. “Watching you two, I feel like he’s more your type.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Pfft. What? No. What? No,” I stammered.

“Not very convincing,” she said with a smirk.

“It doesn’t matter. He’s your date,” I said firmly. “There’s a rule—never go after your friend’s guy.”

“It’s just a first date,” Lucy said with a shrug. Then she smiled. “But I’m glad you reacted like that—I think I really like him.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I smiled back, but deep down, something felt off. A tiny pang of sadness hit me, and I wasn’t sure why.

We stayed a bit longer, and I tried to shift the focus so Mike and Lucy could talk.

But every time I said something to steer the conversation, Mike directed his answers back to me. It was hard not to notice, and Lucy didn’t seem thrilled.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When we decided to leave, Lucy headed to the restroom again, leaving me alone with Mike. The night air was cool, and I shivered a little.

“So, do you work as an entertainer?” Mike asked, his tone light.

“Why do you ask?” I replied, narrowing my eyes playfully. Then I saw him glance at my outfit, and it hit me. “Oh, no! I host a radio show. Dating advice, mostly. My niece had a birthday party, and my brother forgot to hire an entertainer.” I gestured to my clown costume with a sheepish smile.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Well, that’s bold of you,” Mike said, grinning.

“It was fine until the kids tried to tear my costume apart. They’re little savages,” I joked.

Mike laughed. “Kids can be wild. They’ve got endless energy.”

“Yeah, but they mean well,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He paused. “Listen, Trish…” he began, his voice softer, but before he could finish, Lucy appeared.

“Want to walk me home?” she asked him brightly. “I live close by.”

“Of course,” Mike said, stepping toward her.

He turned back to me, and we both hesitated. He went for a hug while I offered a handshake, and we ended up with an awkward high five.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

It made us laugh, but as they walked away, I felt something strange, a little twist in my chest.

The next few days passed quietly. Lucy didn’t say much about Mike, which was unusual for her.

She only mentioned that he hadn’t wanted to come up to her apartment after their date.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She shrugged it off, but I could tell she wasn’t thrilled. I didn’t press her for details.

One morning, as I was sipping my coffee, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number.

@Unknown

Hey 🙂 It’s Mike. I know this is weird, but would you like to meet up sometime?

I stared at the screen, my stomach flipping.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Me

How did you get my number?

@Unknown

Secret 😉 So, what do you think?

I frowned, trying to steady my thoughts.

@Me

Sorry, I don’t go on dates with men my friends like.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Unknown

Lucy and I only had one date. But I haven’t felt a connection like this in years—with anyone. Not until I met you.

My chest tightened. I stared at the words longer than I should have.

@Me

Sorry, but no.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I set my phone down. Saying no felt like the right thing, but his words lingered, leaving a knot I couldn’t untangle.

I tried to shake it off and focus on work. During my radio show, I put on my usual cheerful voice, pretending my own heart wasn’t a mess.

“Hi, this is Trish. How can I help with your love troubles?” I said, wishing someone could help with mine.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Hi,” a man’s voice said, calm and familiar. “I don’t date much. It’s hard for me to find a connection with someone. But recently, I went on a date with one woman. Her friend showed up in a clown costume. And, well, with the friend, I felt something I haven’t felt in years—maybe ever.”

I froze. My heart skipped a beat. It was Mike.

“But she won’t go out with me. She says it’s wrong. I don’t know what to do,” he said. “I really like her.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My mouth went dry. “Maybe you should listen to her and let it go,” I managed, my voice unsteady.

“She’s unforgettable. The kind of person who stays with you for a lifetime,” he said softly.

I smiled, caught off guard. “You probably just think that because she was wearing a clown costume,” I said, my tone lighter.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’d remember her no matter what she wore,” he replied without hesitation. “So, will this girl go out with me?”

I hesitated, feeling torn. “I’m afraid that’s impossible,” I said quietly.

Before I could say more, my producer buzzed in. “Take the next call—it’s important,” she said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I switched lines. “Go out with him! You have my blessing!” Lucy yelled through the line. I blinked, stunned. “Finally, a guy you like!”

“But you like him,” I stammered, realizing we were still live.

“Not really. He likes you,” Lucy said.

“It’s not right,” I protested weakly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Forget right or wrong. Listen to your heart. You always say that to others. Take your own advice for once,” Lucy urged.

“So, what do you say?” Mike’s voice came back, gentle but insistent. “Her friend gave her blessing.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sighed, my walls crumbling. “Yes,” I whispered.

The sound engineer played an applause track, and I couldn’t help but laugh. My face burned as I blushed, feeling completely exposed—but strangely happy.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Attending my daughter’s wedding was supposed to be a joyful moment, but facing my ex-husband and his new wife turned everything upside down. Old wounds resurfaced, and new betrayals came to light. I thought I’d left the past behind, but this trip forced me to confront truths I wasn’t ready to face.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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