"You don't know her?" Maurice frowned at Severin's puzzled expression. He couldn't believe anyone would help their family without reason. Severin shook his head. "Have you seen her?"

Judith shook her head. "No. When she sends money, she knocks twice, leaves it, and rides away on an electric bicycle. We've never seen her face, only her back. She comes irregularly—sometimes morning, sometimes night—but usually around the fifteenth or sixteenth of the month." Severin nodded. "Don't worry; I'll repay those who helped us."

After reassuring them, Severin paused before saying, "Mom, stop picking up trash. Dad, stop working construction. I'm back, and I'll take care of you both!"

Maurice smiled bitterly. "That won't do. I'm only fifty; I should work while I can. Plenty of time to rest later."

Judith agreed. "He's right. You need money after prison. Where will we get it if we don't work?"

Severin smiled faintly. "You can both relax. We have money—plenty left from that generous man! I won't be happy if you keep working so hard."

Seeing Severin's slightly disapproving look, Judith smiled. "Alright, alright. We'll relax. The Easton debt is paid, too. We can breathe!"

Severin looked at Maurice. "Besides, Dad needs rest. Your back's been strained; you'll suffer from lower back pain. It'll only get worse!"

"How do you know my back hurts?" Maurice was astonished. He hadn't mentioned his pain to Judith. He'd had a backache for two days but hadn't gone to the hospital to avoid expenses, hoping it would heal itself.

"Why didn't you tell me, Maurice?" Judith glared. "Is money more important than your health? What if you collapsed before Severin returned?" "It's not that serious," Maurice said awkwardly. "I was going to get a pain-relieving patch."

"Stop working construction tomorrow," Severin said. "I have ointment here. It should heal in a couple of days." He produced a small bottle.

"Is that so? Great! I'll save on the patch!" Maurice laughed.

The couple were overjoyed. Maurice drank heavily that night and talked with Severin. The next morning, he stretched, surprised to find his back pain gone.

He pressed his waist. "Judith! It's healed! No pain!" He woke her.

"Really? A miracle! You said it hurt last night. Healed overnight?" Judith was incredulous.

"Severin must have met someone amazing! We can finally rest!" Maurice smiled. "I'll get my salary from the construction site; I won't be going back."

"I'll see if Severin's awake. Let's get some good breakfast!" Judith seemed years younger, full of smiles and energy.

She returned. "He's up early! Probably shopping for clothes!" (The following sentence is removed as it's an advertisement)

"Let him be. We can relax if he gets a good job," Maurice sighed. "I'll rest a few days before looking for less strenuous work."

Meanwhile, Severin walked in a nearby park. The familiar sight brought a chuckle, a reminder of Lucy and his dashed hopes. As he reminisced, a woman in a floral dress cried out from a pavilion. "Grandpa! Are you okay?"

Severin saw an old man on the ground, his face red, struggling to speak. A man playing chess with him was also startled. Severin rushed over.

"Cerebral hemorrhage!" Severin diagnosed quickly.

"Oh God! I need to call an ambulance!" the woman paled.

"It's still under control. Let me examine him." Severin laid the man flat and tapped several points. The old man, Henry Longhorn, who had been nearly breathless, showed marked improvement. "Open your mouth and eat this," Severin said, offering a pill.

The woman got water. After Henry took the pill, his condition returned to normal within a minute.

"Young man, I felt like I was dying. My vision was disappearing. Thank you for saving me," Henry said. He noted Severin's worn, slightly oversized clothes and long hair, making him look homeless.

Henry's bodyguards arrived. "I'm fine, thanks to this young man!" Henry told them.

"Did Grandpa really have a hemorrhage? What medicine did you give him?" Henry's granddaughter, Charmaine, eyed Severin suspiciously. She'd panicked and let him treat her grandfather, but now worried—'Could he be a charlatan?' The Longhorns were influential.

"Are you doubting my abilities?" Severin frowned, displeased.