Winning the data modeling event gave Miss Shu's family a gift they didn't fully expect: it brought help from strangers, earned respect from friends, and reawakened hope where only worry had lived. Their story filled the news, and people came from across the city to offer donations, share supplies, and ask for advice from "The Family Helpers."
But beyond the celebrations, there were wounds that money and praise alone could not heal.
Yang's health was improving with better medicine and regular doctor visits. Still, his liver was weak, and surgery was scheduled. Goo helped with recovery, keeping Yang cheerful with small presents and jokes. Miss Shu focused her quiet energy on caring for both boys and, slowly, remembering how to care for herself.
As autumn deepened and leaves began to fall, a new challenge arrived. Goo came home one afternoon and found Miss Shu sitting quietly by the window, a worried look on her face.
"Mom? Did the doctor call?" Goo asked.
Miss Shu nodded. "He wants me to talk about Yang's surgery. He says they have a skilled team, and with our prize money, we can afford it." She paused, then whispered, "But he told me something else. Yang needs a kidney transplant or he may not recover after the operation."
Goo's heart dropped. The family had given so much already—could they face this new danger?
The next weeks were a blur of tests, paperwork, and hopeful visits. Doctors checked everyone in Miss Shu's family, hoping that one of them could donate a kidney. The results were discouraging: Miss Shu's body was still recovering from her own surgery, Goo's blood type didn't match, and their father was too ill.
Miss Shu's spirit began to falter. She worried all day, eating less and sleeping poorly. Goo noticed, tried to help her relax, and even encouraged her to join him for walks in the park.
One Saturday morning, the local hospital set up a donor drive with support from the "Family Helpers" network. Neighbors volunteered for testing—some were close to a match, but not close enough. Miss Shu felt herself slipping into despair.
Yang saw his mother's sadness and became afraid. "Maybe the world has run out of kindness for us," he thought. But Goo wouldn't let him feel lonely for long. "We'll keep trying, Yang. There's always hope."
Then, one quiet evening, Aunt Suhei arrived. She brought tea and sat with Miss Shu at the table. Suhei reached out, took Miss Shu's hands, and said, "I want to be tested as a donor. No one in this city has helped me as much as you. Let me help your son."
Miss Shu was overwhelmed. Tears ran down her cheeks. "You don't have to risk yourself, Suhei. It's too much."
But Suhei insisted. "Kindness grows when we share it—and you need it now."
The tests began, and after several weeks, amazing news arrived: Suhei was an acceptable match for Yang. The doctors were cautious, but hope bloomed again.
The days before the transplant passed slowly. Suhei and Yang became close, sharing stories, looking at old family photographs, and promising each other a celebration if the surgery succeeded. Goo painted a picture for them—two hearts, joined by a bridge across a river.
Miss Shu offered prayers, cooked special meals, and made certain that both Yang and Suhei felt loved and cared for. The "Family Helpers" group sent messages, flowers, and gave support for everything from transportation to home care.
The morning of the surgery, the family rose before the sun. At the hospital, Yang squeezed his mom's hand, and Goo promised to keep cheering until he woke up. Suhei patted Miss Shu's shoulder, saying "We're brave together."
Doctors and nurses moved quickly. Miss Shu waited, heart pounding. Goo sat beside her with drawings, small notes, and nervous hope.
Hours later, the surgeon arrived. "Both surgeries went well. Yang will recover—thanks to Suhei's generous gift."
The family nearly collapsed from relief and joy. Suhei was sore, but smiled broadly, embraced by hugs and tears.
In the weeks that followed, old wounds—sickness, guilt, regret—slowly began to heal. Yang gained strength each day, Suhei's laughter returned, and Miss Shu learned again to sleep deeply at night.
One morning, Goo found Miss Shu staring at the sunrise. She turned and whispered, "For the first time in years, I feel light inside. We still have worries, but they no longer darken everything."
Goo hugged her and said, "Your kindness always returns, Mom. Now it's time to let it heal you, too."
As Yang recovered, the family held a simple celebration. Neighbors brought dumplings, cake, and songs. Miss Shu gave a short speech, thanking everyone she'd met over the hard years. "You saved us when we couldn't save ourselves," she said.
Goo and Yang promised to help others as their mother had. Suhei smiled, proud of her family and her gift. The "Family Helpers" network grew, with every act of care adding new stitches to the quilt of their community.
At dusk, Miss Shu looked across the table, seeing Yang full of life, Suhei cheerful, Goo strong and content. She felt her heart grow—stronger and more open than ever.