I had just taken my keys out of my pocket. It was late at night, and the street was almost empty. I turned around and saw a little girl sitting near my car. She was close to one of the tires, holding her knees, looking worried.

She looked about nine years old. Her clothes were clean but old, and her shoes were worn. Her hair was tied with a loose ribbon that looked like it had been used many times.I felt confused and a little nervous.

“Hi,” I said softly. “What are you doing here?”

She stood up quickly. “Sir, you can’t drive yet,” she said.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Because there is something under your car,” she said. “It’s dangerous.”

At first, I thought she meant a toy. Maybe a ball or a piece of wood. Still, her face looked serious, so I listened.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“My name is Lily,” she said.

“Okay, Lily,” I said gently. “Show me.”

I knelt down and looked under the car. At first, I didn’t see anything. Then my eyes adjusted, and my heart almost stopped.