Christina was up before sunrise that morning — she needed to make a quick run to the store.

As she made her way to the front door, she noticed the familiar sight of her nephew’s toys scattered across the hallway floor.

She often babysat him, and though she had no children of her own, there was a quiet joy in the sound of a child’s laughter echoing through her home. For now, her life was centered around her career and personal goals, and she hadn’t yet met someone to start a family with.

After finishing her shopping, Christina’s bag was full: fresh bread, cheese, yogurt, fruit, and a few cans of peas in case she felt like whipping up a salad later. It was her day off — a rare chance to take care of things around the house without rushing.

As she returned home, walking along the peaceful path through her courtyard, she felt content. But just as she reached her building’s entrance, a faint sound caught her attention — a weak cry or moan. It sounded like a child.

She paused, listening closely. The sound was coming from the stairwell, near the garbage chute where discarded furniture was often left. Curiosity mixed with worry pushed her forward.

Tucked in the shadows, she saw a small bundle — a baby, barely a week old.

His tiny face was pale, lips tinged blue from cold or hunger. Christina’s heart clenched in sh0ck and compassion.

Without hesitation, she called for an ambulance.

“I’ve found a baby… he looks abandoned. Please come quickly,” she told the dispatcher, providing her address.

While waiting, she knelt beside the infant, whispering softly, “It’s okay, little one… you’re safe now.”

Within minutes, the ambulance arrived. Paramedics rushed in, and Christina carefully handed over the fragile baby. The doctor checked him over and nodded gravely.

“He’s alive, but weak. He needs medical care immediately. Are you his mother?”

Christina shook her head, emotion rising in her throat. “No… I just found him.”

After the ambulance sped away, Christina stood in silence, feeling shaken.

Back in her apartment, her groceries sat untouched on the table — cooking was the last thing on her mind. Later, she called her friend Oksana, needing to share the experience with someone.

That evening, Oksana arrived with a cake, and over tea, Christina recounted everything — the discovery, the fragile little life left alone in the cold.

“I keep thinking about him… What will happen to him now?” Christina wondered aloud. “Will he end up in an orphanage?”

Oksana nodded gently. “Most likely, unless his parents come forward. Or he’ll stay in the hospital until social services make arrangements. Are you thinking of helping him somehow?”

Deep down, Christina’s heart was already stirring with a thought that frightened her: Could she possibly take this child in? The idea seemed impossible — she was single, with an ordinary job and only limited experience raising children. But her heart was restless.

The next morning, Christina received a call from a police officer handling the case.

“We’ll look for the mother, though it’s often difficult — people leave and disappear. Usually, in these situations, the child is placed in an orphanage or foster care.”

Later, unable to shake the image of the tiny baby, Christina called the hospital to check on his condition. Days passed, but the thought of him lingered constantly in her mind.

A week later, gathering her courage, she visited the hospital. There, under a warming lamp, lay the fragile little boy, asleep and snoring quietly. Seeing him, her heart filled with emotion.

Returning home, Christina called her mother, who lived in another city.

“Mom, you won’t believe what happened…” she explained, voice shaking. “I found a baby… he’s in the hospital now, but I can’t stop thinking about him.”

Her mother was understanding but honest. “If you feel ready to be a mother, then go for it. But know that it won’t be easy, especially alone.”

Days later, Christina walked into the local child welfare office.

“My name is Christina — I found the baby in our building. I’d like to know if I can adopt him or become his guardian.”

So began a challenging new chapter of her life — collecting documents, undergoing health checks, and taking parenting courses.

Months passed. At the end of summer, Christina received the long-awaited news: she was approved to adopt the child.

In late August, the court hearing made it official. When the judge declared her the child’s legal mother, Christina could hardly hold back tears.

Ten days later, she held in her hands the baby’s new birth certificate, listing her as his mother.

She celebrated quietly with Oksana, a few friends, and her mother, who came from afar. Everyone shared in her joy — and understood that her life had changed forever.