Felix, a single father in his mid-30s, was resting in his modest living room, the sounds of a sitcom playing in the background. His life had become a quiet routine, ever since the tragic loss of his wife in a car accident seven years prior. His only solace came from his job as a janitor and the joy of raising his daughter, Alice, who was a bright reminder of her late mother.
One afternoon, Felix noticed his elderly neighbor, Mrs. White, struggling to cut her overgrown lawn. Known for her fierce independence, she was clearly having trouble. Without hesitation, Felix rushed to help, taking control of the old lawnmower as Mrs. White gratefully stepped aside. They worked together under the warm sun, exchanging few words but sharing a silent understanding.
After they finished, Mrs. White smiled warmly. “Felix, you’re always so kind, helping me without ever asking for anything in return.”
Felix, ever modest, replied, “It’s nothing, Mrs. White. Happy to help.”
Determined to show her appreciation, Mrs. White offered him a beautifully ornate, antique box. Felix hesitated, uncomfortable accepting such an extravagant gift. “I can’t take this, Mrs. White.”
Respecting his decision, she handed him a bag of apples instead. “Take these for Alice, then.”
Felix thanked her and returned home. Alice was thrilled with the apples, but as they unpacked the bag, they found the ornate box hidden among the fruit. Curious, Alice brought it to Felix, who insisted they couldn’t keep it.
“We’ll return this to Mrs. White tomorrow,” Felix said, but when he arrived at her home the next day, the house was eerily silent. Inside, he found Mrs. White lifeless on her couch—she had passed away.
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