Pauline, a dedicated janitor and single mother, wishes to buy her 8-year-old daughter, Eve, a doll for her birthday. With limited funds, she visits a flea market and discovers a stunning vintage doll. It’s all she can manage financially, yet she wishes it will bring Eve some happiness, particularly since the young girl frequently feels alone at school because of their financial struggles. On Eve’s birthday, she is filled with joy upon receiving the doll. As Pauline hands it to her, a peculiar crackling sound reaches her ears. Upon investigation, she uncovers a concealed pocket containing a small note that states,
“Wishing you a wonderful birthday, Mom.” The handwriting resembles that of a young child. Intrigued and apprehensive, Pauline revisits the flea market to seek out the woman who sold her the doll. Miriam is filled with emotion as she gazes at the note. She reveals that her young daughter, who recently passed away from cancer, had gifted her that doll for her birthday. Miriam and her husband had been selling their late daughter’s belongings as a way to manage their grief and address medical expenses. Pauline embraces Eve warmly and opens up about her own challenges in raising her alone. The two women share a profound connection, and just before Pauline departs, she expresses her gratitude to Miriam for the doll, mentioning how it has brought immense joy to her daughter. A couple of days later,
Miriam pays a visit to Pauline and hands her an envelope containing $3,000—funds collected from the sale of her daughter’s toys. She urges Pauline to accept it, stating, “A mother understands the anguish of not being able to provide her child with everything.” Moved and appreciative, Pauline agrees. From that moment forward, Miriam integrates into their lives, developing a strong connection with both Pauline and Eve. Their friendship offers solace and healing to everyone involved, demonstrating that even amidst loss, love has the power to foster beauty.
