As they walked in, whispers floated through the air. A few employees exchanged glances and soft laughs, judging his clothes before hearing his voice. Mateo felt the weight of every stare, but he held Lupita’s hand proudly. “We are allowed to dream too,” he whispered to her. He approached a counter with quiet respect, only to be met with cold smiles. “Maybe try a different store,” someone suggested, but he simply replied, “I just wanted to show her something special.”

Just then, a calm and familiar voice rose from the back. The store owner, Don Arturo Gómez, stepped forward, pausing as he recognized Mateo. Years earlier, Mateo had worked as a street vendor near Arturo’s father’s shop, offering help whenever he could without ever asking for anything in return. Arturo walked straight to him, smiling warmly. “Señor Mateo,” he said, “I have never forgotten your kindness. Welcome. Anything your daughter chooses today is my gift.”