On a cold and dark night in Silver Springs, Colorado, leaves were falling and dogs were barking. Silver Springs was a town where happiness filled each home, and everyone knew everyone. The homes in Silver Springs were magnificent. On this night a boy was on the corner of his neighborhood street, crying but only for one reason. Car after car would drive by, and no one would  stop to see if he was okay. Down the street from where the boy was, lived Mrs. Lily. She was an older lady, that lived with her dog Lola and husband, Mr. Lily.  Her husband was the Founder of Smiles and Smiles homeless shelter.

Mrs. Lily was taking Lola for her evening walk, which was usually around 7:00. As soon as Lola and Mrs. Lily walked out the door, Lola began barking and going crazy- which she never usually did. Mrs. Lily thought that was very odd of her but they continued walking and soon turned the corner of where the boy had been crying. Mrs. Lily suddenly heard a soft cry from the distance. She got closer and closer, until she about fell over the crying boy.

“I'm so sorry, young man, I didn’t see you there,” said Mrs. Lily.

“Oh no, you're okay. I should not have been sitting here in the first place,” whimpered the young man.

“What are you doing here on a night like this? Who are you? Where are you from?” asked Mrs. Lily.

“My name is Manny. I live two houses down from this street. I've been kicked out of my house,’’ said Manny.
As most people would, Mrs. Lily asked why he was kicked out. Manny had told her that he had just come out to his family as gay. He continued telling her that his parents didn’t let him pack up anything, such as clothes, hygiene products, or even a blanket. Mrs. Lily had the saddest face Manny had ever seen. She asked if he had ever heard his parent’s views on gays. He said yes, and that they were very religious, and that they were not accepting of it. Manny told her that he was so nervous to come out, but that he needed to start living his life more authentically, and to be who he truly was. Both Mrs. Lily and Manny continued with the conversation, and then he added he would have no where to stay because his only two friends had parents that were really religious, like his own parents. So on a cold night and being really upset, Mrs. Lily, instantly thought of a idea. She then proposed the idea to Manny. Just as Mrs. Lily started to propose the idea, Lola went crazy barking and she soon realized that it was Manny’s parents. Manny’s parents confronted Mrs. Lily and him.

‘’Good evening, Mrs. Lily. What are you doing here, talking to Manny?’’ asked his father.

“Hello, I am here talking to your child, who has been kicked out of his childhood home because you and your wife can’t come to the realization that your  child is trying to be himself,’’ said Mrs. Lily, sternly.

Manny's parents didn’t  say a word afterwards, but instead turned around and walked away. Mrs. Lily comforted Manny as he was sobbing. She then got the chance to finally propose the idea to Manny. She explained to him that her husband was the founder of Smiles and Smiles Homeless Shelter.

Manny smiled at her and said “ That was very sweet of you but I will be fine. I already--”

She quickly interrupted him, “You have no choice but that you needed to be surrounded with love and comfort.” Manny soon realized that would be a great idea, considering the fact that he had nothing to survive off of.  Mrs. Lily told Manny he could stay at her house until the next morning. They both got up off the curb of the sidewalk and gave each other a hug.  Manny soon thanked her. Mrs. Lily included that she was very happy to help him in such a sad situation.

They had arrived to her home, greeting them was Mr. Lily. He assumed something had happened with Manny but didn’t ask because Mr. and Mrs. Lily were used to having things like this happen. Mrs. Lily had shown Manny the room he would be staying in. He quickly cleaned up and went right to bed, knowing tomorrow would be a interesting day.

Manny woke up to Mrs. Lily asking him what he would like for breakfast.

“Good morning, Manny. Breakfast is ready downstairs, I made eggs and bacon,” said Mrs. Lily.

After he was finished with breakfast, she had him come into the living room to talk to him. Mr. and Mrs. Lily had talked after Manny went to bed, and had suggested to each other that they would let Manny live with them, as he was going to graduate Silver Springs High School in the spring. They then proposed the idea to Manny, and he was so surprised and happy. Mr. Lily told Manny that it would be difficult trying to keep up with school and study in a homeless shelter. He agreed with them and thanked them.

  Mrs. Lily called Manny's parents. Explaining what they were going to do for Manny. His parents said that they would not let Manny back into the home. Mrs. Lily had asked if she could stop by to get some of his belongings, and they agreed. Even though life was rough for Manny, he had met a guy that treated him like gold. Manny soon introduced Mr. and Mrs. Lily too him. They were so happy for them.