The next morning, Martin returned to his spot in the underpass. Suddenly, a woman’s frantic cry rang out. “Help! Someone help!”
Martin ran toward the commotion and saw the man from the day before—Sylvester—trapped inside his fancy car.
“He’s choking on an apple!” someone shouted. “But the doors are locked!”
Without hesitation, Martin smashed the car window with a rock and pulled Sylvester out. Using all his strength, he pounded on Sylvester’s back until a piece of apple flew out of his mouth.
Sylvester gasped for air, his face pale. “You… you saved me.”
Martin helped him stand. “Are you okay, sir?”
Sylvester nodded, still catching his breath. “I can’t believe it. After how I treated you yesterday… why did you help me?”
Martin shrugged. “It was the right thing to do.”
Tears filled Sylvester’s eyes. “I’m so sorry, kid. I was awful to you. Let me make it up to you—name your price.”
Martin thought for a moment. “Just the $7 from yesterday. That’s all I want.”
Sylvester stared, stunned. “But I can give you much more. A fresh start, maybe?”
Martin shook his head. “I don’t need a new start, sir. I just need to take care of my family.”
Sylvester handed over the money, looking at Martin with newfound respect. “You’re something special, kid. What’s your name?”
“Martin, sir.”
Sylvester nodded. “Martin… I won’t forget you.”
The next morning, Martin was woken by his sister’s excited screams. “Marty! Come quick!”
He rushed outside to find a white bag stuffed with cash at their doorstep and a note attached.
With trembling hands, Martin opened the note and read aloud:
“Thank you isn’t enough for what you did. I know you’d refuse this, but you deserve a happy childhood. It only took an hour to find your address—the world’s small like that. I hope we meet again someday, and I hope you never lose that heart of gold. —Sylvester.”
Tears filled Martin’s eyes. The money could change everything—his mother’s treatment, Josephine’s education, their future. But he hesitated. Was it right to accept it?
He lit a candle at the small altar in their home and whispered, “Dad, help me make the right choice.”
With a deep breath, Martin decided. He would accept the money—not for himself, but for his family. He would never forget his father’s lessons or the unexpected kindness that could come from anyone.
“Josephine!” he called. “We’re going to the doctor today—and maybe we’ll stop for ice cream on the way home.”
As his sister cheered with delight, Martin smiled up at the sky, knowing he had found his way forward.