Victor woke up feeling unusually energetic. For some reason, he was smiling from ear to ear.
Hellen noticed immediately.
“Are you feeling better, my son?” she asked gently.
He nodded, still smiling.
“But I suppose you’ll be leaving today…
” she added, her tone soft with disappointment.
Victor shook his head.
“No. I’m not leaving today. I’ll stay here until the job is done.
”
“Really?” Hellen asked, her face lighting up with a warm smile. She had grown unexpectedly
fond of him, and he, too, had come to appreciate her kindness.
“Oh, that’s wonderful! Should I make you some porridge?”
Victor nodded. He couldn’t bring himself to refuse the poor woman.
She soon returned with a bowl of warm porridge, and he ate quietly.
“I’ll be back in the evening,
” he said as he stood to leave.
