Ella and the Little Bowl of Soup

Chapter 1: Small Hands Big Gestures

Ella lived with her mother, who sold homemade soup from a small stall.

Every morning, their kitchen filled with the smell of carrots, potatoes, and warm bread.

Ella helped place spoons beside the bowls. She liked watching customers take their first happy bite.

One cold afternoon, her mother made a special pot of chicken soup.

Ella had been looking forward to her own bowl all day.

Just as she sat down to eat, an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Rose, stopped outside the stall.

“Something smells wonderful,” Mrs. Rose said.

Then she checked her purse and frowned.

“I’ve left my money at home.”

Ella’s mother was busy serving another customer. Ella looked from Mrs. Rose to her own bowl.