"You've got it all wrong. Sometimes, what people make with their own hands is so much more beautiful and unique than anything a machine could ever turn out," Claire said, smiling. "Honestly, if you could teach Roth your craft, he'd never have to worry about a thing. Still, someone his age should really be in school, don't you think?"
It was just a friendly suggestion. Claire never wanted to interfere with anyone's life, and even if she tried, it wasn't really her place. Hayley listened, touched by Claire's words. Deep down, she knew it was true-if Roth could inherit the family's skills, he'd have a steady future guaranteed. But when it came to school, well, if they had enough money, of course she'd let Roth go. It just wasn't possible for them right now. Money was always tight.
"For now, what matters most is that you take good care of yourself. Once you're healthy again, it'll be easier to look after Roth," Claire said softly. "By the way, I have some medical training. Would you mind if I gave you a quick exam?"
As soon as the words were out, Claire hesitated, worried maybe she was being too forward. But Hayley just smiled and nodded. After a moment, Claire realized most of Hayley's problems were due to exhaustion. Some hospital care and proper rest after discharge were all she really needed. There was nothing urgent, no need for Claire to step in, and she didn't want to make a big deal out of it.
"You've got a bit of an issue with your lower back. If you go back to work, just be careful. Make sure you look after yourself."
Hayley blinked in surprise. "Wow, I didn't expect someone so young to actually have a medical background.” She had thought Claire just wanted to give it a try, never expecting her to catch a real issue.
Claire just smiled. “I've been studying medicine since I was little, so I picked up a few things." She straightened up and gently said, “Get some rest. We have some things to take care of, so we're heading out."
Neither of them brought up money again, and nobody mentioned needing help. Their goodbyes were warm, polite, and sincere.
"Roth, walk Claire out, will you?" Hayley said.
Roth nodded right away and guided Claire outside. Dewitt was already waiting there, leaning against the wall. When he saw Claire, he gave her a subtle nod. Instantly, she knew he'd already wrapped up what she asked him to do. It was
им
funny-despite just meeting for the first time, these two were in perfect sync, almost like they could read
each other's minds.
Once they'd left, Roth had no idea that Dewitt had quietly deposited thirty thousand into the hospital's account. He only heard about it later that night, when a doctor mentioned it during the rounds.
"Thirty thousand?” Roth was stunned. He couldn't even begin to imagine how they'd repay that much, and he didn't even have Claire's number.
"Mom, what do we do?" he asked as soon as he burst back into the room to share the news.
"But
Hayley froze, then her eyes grew red and watery it's meant for my treatment, so we'll accept it for now," she said, her voice trembling. "But Roth, you know our jade only sefd for two thousand, right? So, the rest... Just treat it as a loan from Claire. When you earn enough, we'll pay her back. Every last cent."
Roth nodded seriously. “I understand, Mom. I'll never forget what Claire did for us."
Hayley reached for his hand and
gave it a gentle squeeze, smiling through her tears. "That's all I ask. Some peo to good deeds without expecting anything back, but if we don't try to repay that kind of generosity, we're no better than ungrateful lowlifes," she said quietly.
laire and Dewitt had no reason to help them like this. It was pure goodwill. If she and Roth just took the money and didn't think twice, that would say more about them than anyone else's kindness.
Years later, Roth did return all the money to Claire, along with a precious gift he made himself. But that's a story for another time.
For now, with that generous sum, both mother and son felt a huge weight lift from their shoulders. Life suddenly seemed a lot less desperate, and if things went well, maybe Roth wouldn't have to give up on school after all.