Chapter 28

You stand first. Then you can help everyone.At the time, the words seemed simple; now they felt important. Because despite everything he had learned, despite the evidence, despite the betrayal, he still couldn't walk. Not really. Not yet.The next afternoon, he returned to St. Matthew's Church. As usual, Maya was helping unload donations. As usual, she smiled when she saw him. But Ethan noticed something immediately: something was different—the smile didn't quite reach her eyes."You okay?"Maya nodded, too quickly, exactly the way her mother had. Ethan recognized the lie immediately, because he had spent six months surrounded by lies."You sure?"Another shrug. "I'm fine.""No, you're not."Maya looked away: toward the church, toward the volunteers, anywhere but at Ethan. For several moments, she remained silent. Then finally, she whispered:"We might lose our apartment."The words came out so quietly Ethan almost missed them. His chest tightened. "What?"She forced a smile—a brave smile, the kind children wore when they didn't want adults worrying. "It's okay."No, it wasn't okay. Ethan looked around: the church, the volunteers, the parking lot. This was the girl who had saved him; the girl who had asked for nothing; the girl who spent her free time feeding strangers, helping elderly people, carrying donations, giving away food she barely had herself. And now she was facing something terrifying, alone.A familiar feeling rose inside him: the urge to help immediately. He reached for his wallet.Maya's eyes widened. "No."Ethan paused. "What?""No." The answer was firm, unexpectedly firm."You need help.""So do you."The statement caught him off guard. Maya folded her arms. "You still can't walk.""I will.""Then do that first."

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