Monica is acutely aware of her grandmother's financial struggles, so she never dares to ask for anything extra. She takes pride in wearing hand-me-down clothes and shoes from friends and family, seeing them as tokens of love rather than a mark of lesser means. This year, as her birthday approached, her grandmother wanted to surprise her with a special gift: the vibrant pair of Nikes that Monica had been longing for—the ones that glimmered in the store's window whenever they passed by. These coveted shoes symbolized more than just a trendy accessory; they represented a boost of confidence that Monica yearned for at school, a chance to blend in and feel more like every other kid. The thought of owning them filled her with excitement and hope for a brighter, more confident future.