After a fun time with his friends, catching up and playing volleyball, Lewis finally got home. Standing at the bus stop, listening to his favorite band, he noticed an elderly woman struggling to walk. Suddenly a silver-haired girl hurried to her, doing her best to assist her. At that moment, the bus arrived, and Lewis quickly boarded. Interestingly enough, he observed how the girl, busy helping the old lady, missed the bus herself.
The bus left without hesitation, despite all her waving and shouting. Lewis noticed that, instead of offering gratitude, the old woman seemed annoyed, gesturing angrily at the girl who had tried to help, just because the girl had slipped away for a moment to get the bus. So even after being supported for quite some time, she walked off without a word of thanks or any kind of gratitude.
Yet the girl stood there, alone at the crossing, still smiling politely, still being considerate despite receiving nothing in return and having worsened her own circumstances. Her patience and kindness left Lewis chuckling.
"Huh, there are still people like that," he thought.
---
Finally home, Lewis slipped off his shoes and was immediately hugged by a pleasant young boy—his brother, Elias. At the same time, his younger sister, Evelyn, entered the hallway.
"You sure took your time," she said calmly.
"Oh, too old to give your big brother a hug? That really hurts my heart, Eve. I miss the days I always got a hug from my cute little sister. At least you came to welcome me. That's a relief"
Her cheeks flushed "Hahahaha, very funny", and she quickly retreated to her room.
"Hey, Elias, you're making sure no one's bothering her, right, little soldier?"
"Of course, brother."
"Then what are you still doing here? Go continue your training—no excuses."
"Oh, come on! I already did my cardio session. Give me a break."
"Well, good for you, but what about HIIT?"
"Nonononono, come on, brother, have mercy!"
"Huh, haven't I given you the honor of looking after Mom and Eve when I'm not around? Remember: stay hard."
Elias remained silent for a moment, then shot Lewis an intense, focused gaze before heading down to the basement, which Lewis had secretly transformed into his personal training ground.
"Ugh, brother, don't forget the macarons our sister made for you. She even left you the lemon-flavored ones—didn't even let me touch them."
"Right," Lewis said, smiling. His little sister didn't often show her kindness, but when she did, it shone through—always caring for her family in subtle, thoughtful ways.
Then, dressed in a plain black pullover and white trousers, Lewis's father appeared. He seemed uneasy, tired—exhausted in a way that made his shoulders slump and his eyes dull.
"I'll have to be away for a while," he said. "Something came up at work that needs my presence. I'll try to get home as quickly as possible. Take care of your mom, will you. You know she always overexerts herself in the hospital. Love you."
Before Lewis could respond, his father grabbed his keys and rushed out.
Though he hadn't realized it before, Lewis had begun to notice the unconventional nature of his father's work. His parents never explained it, always cutting off questions, but Lewis's intuition told him his father's job was highly secretive. It made him wonder—was his father some kind of government agent? It would explain his intellect, physical skill, and irregular hours. To his siblings, he appeared relaxed and easygoing, often at home when they returned from school, watching TV or taking short trips. Yet Lewis had begun to see the subtle signs: the nightly disappearances, the exhaustion in his father's eyes, and the weight of responsibility he carried. Even so, his father always maintained a positive aura, supporting the family, shielding them from stress and worry.
Still, the true nature of his father's work remained a mystery.
---
Lewis was enjoying his macarons when he heard a loud crash at the front door. Rushing to see, he found his mother on the floor, clutching her knee in pain. Though clearly in agony, she immediately tried to reassure him.
"Ah, Lewis, nothing happened. It's just slippery—I'm fine."
"Mom!" Lewis said, frustrated.
But she cut him off, still concerned for him.
"Lewis, is everything okay with you? You scared me last night. I had to leave early for the hospital, so I couldn't check on you. The least you could do is answer my calls—I was worried."
Lewis couldn't help but think how typical it was of mothers to put their children before themselves. 'Ugh… please don't worry about me. I absolutely hate to cause stress and discomfort for the people I love.'
"I'm fine, Mom. Please, rest now. I don't want you worrying about anything at all," he said, helping her up and carrying her to the bedroom.
"Why do you even concern yourself so much with the hospital. Those ungrateful bunch are just exploiting your kindness. And Dad's pay is more than enough for us. There really is no reason to suffer and exhaust yourself like this. Please just take care of yourself before trying to help others"
"Hey, Lewis..., I'm really fine," she said.
"Huh, as if," he scoffed rudely.
She fell silent, then teasingly added, "Well, aren't you romantic carrying a women like this? Such a gentle and handsome man—anyone would be jealous of your future girlfriend. Hey, isn't it about time… Oh, was that why last night…? Yeah, I know that feeling—you can't stop thinking about someone."
"Mum, stop that," Lewis said, slightly flustered and blushing.
He carefully placed her on the bed, brought her some water, and massaged her leg to ease the bruise.
"Rest up, please. And don't worry about me—I'm fine."
"You know, I can't. I am your mother after all. Come on, smile for me and i will be happy."
Lewis grinned. "Okay, now rest. Don't worry. I've got everything under control."
In the end, his mother chuckled. 'He really takes after his father, doesn't he?
"I know. Love you, Lewis."
"Love you too, Mum."