Maria grew up in a small village where most people considered wealth to be the amount of money one had in the bank. Her neighbors often admired the rich city families with their luxurious lifestyles and financial freedom. However, Maria valued something different: her close-knit family. Her father, a teacher, and her mother, a nurse, didn’t have much money, but they set aside time for daily dinners, weekend hikes, and visits with relatives. These moments brought Maria immense joy.

One summer, Maria visited her wealthy cousin Elena in the city. Despite their grand house and expensive gadgets, Elena’s family rarely spent time together, and Elena, who seemed to have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, often felt lonely. During her stay, Maria introduced Elena to her family’s traditions, like cooking together and playing games. Elena felt happier and more connected than ever before.

Returning home, Maria realized true wealth wasn’t about material possessions but the love and experiences shared with loved ones. She felt rich with a heart full of love and meaningful connections, understanding that prosperity comes in many forms. Maria knew she couldn’t afford the luxurious items her city relatives had, but she also knew that money talks less about true happiness than people often believe.