11/20/2025
Stuart and Dylan, both 16, were wandering a quiet forest trail when an elderly man lay on the roadside, groaning a faint “help.” They hurried over, eased him into a sitting position, and offered him a glass of water. He was 72‑year‑old, trembling and exhausted, and introduced himself as Michael.
“I’m on my way home from the store,” he muttered, “I felt faint, fell, and rolled down the slope. There’s eggs and milk all over me.” He glanced around, then shrugged. “I don’t know… maybe I’ve been here an hour.”
“Let us call an ambulance,” Stuart said.
“No! No, I’m fine. I just need to get back on my feet. I can walk. Thank you, boys—I’ll manage,” Michael insisted, leaning on his cane.
“We’ll walk you home. We’re heading that way anyway,” Dylan offered, helping him to his feet.
When they reached Michael’s home, the boys were stunned by the sight of a battered trailer barely holding together. Michael opened his wallet, only to find it empty, then reached for a shiny apple on the table and handed it to them. “I want to repay you,” he said, but the gesture spoke louder than words.
The next day, Stuart and Dylan returned with bags of groceries and building supplies. Michael was moved by the generosity of the food and tools, and the three of them formed a close bond. They began visiting him twice a week, becoming his most trusted companions.
Then, one morning, Michael was gone. The trailer was empty, and there was no sign of him anywhere. The boys searched, but he never returned.
Years passed. Stuart and Dylan turned 18. Suddenly, their phones rang.
“Good afternoon. My name is Alex,” a voice said. “I’m your friend Michael’s attorney. I’d like you to come to my office. It’s important.”
Stuart, still unsure of what to expect, turned to Dylan. “Why did you call us?” he asked as they entered the lawyer’s office.