On Halloween night, instead of trick-or-treaters, I got a knock on my door from Mollie, a little girl from next door.

Tearfully, she told me her mom, Isabel, had been asleep for three days and wasn’t waking up, and there was a strange smell. I followed her to their apartment, my heart sinking with each step. Mollie had been taking care of herself, feeding the cat and eating dry cereal. When we reached the apartment, the smell hit me—spoiled food and something worse. Isabel lay unconscious on the couch, her skin pale and her pulse faint. Mollie begged her mom to wake up, but I knew I had to act fast. I sent Mollie to get help and tried to revive Isabel. When Mrs. Derek arrived, we called 911. At the hospital, Mollie asked if her mom would be okay, scared she might lose her like she had her dad. Isabel was stable but needed help, and I promised Mollie I’d be there for her. Over the next few months, Isabel sought therapy, and I grew closer to Mollie, helping her with schoolwork and sharing laughs. That night changed everything, teaching me that love and community can overcome even the darkest struggles.