Wiping his tears, Martin returned to his spot. There was no time for self-pity. No time for tears.

The next morning, Martin was back at his usual spot, setting up his kit with determination. Suddenly, a commotion nearby caught his attention.

“Help! Someone help!” a woman’s frantic voice pierced the air.

Martin rushed towards the sound, his heart pounding.

A small crowd had gathered around a fancy car, and to his shock, he recognized the man inside. SYLVESTER. The same entitled man who had insulted him.

“He’s choking on an apple!” someone yelled. “The car doors are locked!”

Without hesitation, Martin grabbed a rock from the roadside and smashed the car window. Glass shattered everywhere as he reached in to unlock the door.

“Stand back!” he shouted, pulling Sylvester out onto the pavement.

With all his might, Martin delivered several sharp blows to Sylvester’s back. Suddenly, a chunk of apple flew from Sylvester’s mouth, and he gasped for air.

“You… you saved me,” Sylvester wheezed, looking up at Martin with wide, shocked eyes.

Martin helped him to his feet, his own hands shaking. “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.”

Sylvester’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m so sorry, kid. I was horrible to you. Please, let me make it up to you. Name your price. Anything!”

Martin thought for a moment, then looked up. “Just the $7 from yesterday. That’s all I want.”

Sylvester stared at him in disbelief. “But… I could give you so much more. A new start, maybe?”

Martin shook his head. “I don’t need a new start, sir. I just need to take care of my family.”

Reluctantly, Sylvester handed over the money. As the crowd dispersed, he lingered, studying Martin’s face. “You’re quite something, kid. What’s your name?”

“Martin, sir.”

Sylvester nodded slowly. “Martin. I won’t forget this… or you.”

As Sylvester walked away to his car, Martin clutched the hard-earned money in his fist. He looked up at the sky again, a small smile beaming on his face.

“I remember, Dad,” he whispered. “I always do.”

The next morning, Martin was jolted awake by his sister’s excited screams.

“Marty! Marty! Come quick!”

He rushed outside, his mother calling after them in confusion. There, on their doorstep, sat a white bag bulging with cash and a note.

With trembling hands, Martin read aloud:

“Thanks is a small word for what you did. I know you’d refuse this. But you deserve a happy childhood. Took me just an hour to find your address. The world’s a small place, isn’t it?! Hope we meet again someday, and I hope you’re just the pure heart of gold you are!

Tears of joy and shock filled Martin’s eyes. His sister jumped up and down, and their mother called out from inside, clearly shocked at seeing so much money.

“Martin? What’s going on?” she approached in her wheelchair.

Martin’s mind raced. This money could change everything: his mother’s treatment, Josephine’s education, and their entire future. But was it right to accept it?
He walked to the small altar in their cottage, grabbing two pieces of paper. On one, he wrote “REMEMBER,” and on the other, “FORGET.” He folded them, shuffling the chits in his hands.

Lighting a candle before the crucifix, Martin closed his eyes. “Dad,” he whispered, “help me make the right choice.”

With a deep breath, he picked a chit and slowly opened it. A small smile lit up his face when he saw the word “REMEMBER.”

In that moment, Martin knew. He would accept the money, not for himself, but for his family. He would remember his father’s lessons, his own struggles, and the kindness that can exist even in the hardest of hearts.

“Josephine!” he called out, his voice brewing with emotion. “Go tell Mom we’re going to the doctor today. And then… maybe we’ll stop for ice cream on the way home. Get Mom a new comfy mattress. And lots of groceries for the entire week!”

As Josephine’s delighted squeals filled the air, Martin clutched the note to his chest. He had remembered, and in doing so, he had found a way forward.