A whole month went by, and no one came to claim the bag. One day, my manager pointed it out and said, “It’s been sitting here for a while… Do you want it?” I paused for a second, thinking about it, and then said, “Sure, why not?” Out of curiosity, I went to the back to retrieve it, wondering if there might be anything inside.

When I finally opened the bag, I was shocked. It was completely empty, except for a single piece of paper. The paper turned out to be a receipt, but there was also a handwritten note: “To the girl who needed a new purse during the holidays.” I looked at the receipt closely and saw the bag had cost $1,700! It dawned on me that whoever had left this bag meant for someone else to find it—a deliberate act of kindness.

I gently packed my belongings into the bag and took it home with me. I didn’t tell anyone about what I had discovered. That purse wasn’t just a stylish accessory to me; it became a confidence booster. It helped me feel more put together during job interviews and gave me the little push I needed at a time when I was feeling down.

I still have the bag today. It’s more than just a designer item—it’s a reminder of a time when I had so little. But more importantly, it constantly inspires me to pay that kindness forward. I try to find ways to give back, even in small ways, just like that anonymous stranger did for me. Their gift didn’t just brighten my holidays; it changed my perspective on how one small, thoughtful gesture can have a lasting impact on someone’s life.