Felix, a single father in his mid-30s, was slumped in his worn armchair, half-watching the TV as sitcom laughter filled the small, tired living room. His life had settled into a routine of quiet solitude since the tragic loss of his wife seven years earlier. Raising his daughter Alice and working as a janitor brought him small moments of joy, but the weight of the past still lingered heavily.
One afternoon, a noise outside drew Felix to the window. He spotted his elderly neighbor, Mrs. White, struggling with her lawnmower. Known for her fierce independence despite her age, she clearly needed help today. Without hesitation, Felix rushed over and offered assistance. “Let me take care of that for you, Mrs. White,” he said, relieving her of the stubborn machine. They worked silently under the warm afternoon sun, side by side.