As a widow and cleaner, I do everything to ensure my son, Adam, feels safe, loved, and proud of who we are. But when he came home crying from a classmate’s party, I knew something had gone horribly wrong.

It all started when Adam’s rich classmate, Simon, invited him to his birthday party. Despite my reservations, Adam’s excitement was irresistible, and I scraped together what little money I had to make sure he looked presentable. We found a secondhand shirt, and I ironed it with love, assuring Adam he was enough just as he was.

When Adam returned from the party, his spirit was crushed. The other kids had mocked him, calling him “just like his mom, a cleaner,” and made cruel jokes. Simon’s dad, Mr. Clinton, had even joined in the humiliation. I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Furious, I confronted Mr. Clinton, but in return, he fired me, telling me I’d caused a scene.

The next day, my world seemed to collapse. But then, to my surprise, Mr. Clinton called and apologized. The staff had rallied behind me, threatening to strike until I was reinstated. Mr. Clinton publicly apologized for his actions, and I returned to work with newfound respect. Justice had its way, and I was reminded that character, not money, defines a person.