“THANKS for your help. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to pay you.” Calix invited me to the cafeteria, and I felt ashamed of what I said. “Don’t be thankful. If I can pay the operation fee in full, I will do it. But I can only pay half of it.” He embarrassingly scratched his eyebrow. My eyes widened at what he said. I never thought he would pay half of Dad’s surgery. “Calix, you don’t have to bring out a lot of money just to help me.” Without saying a word, he held my hand on the table. “It’s just a piece of paper, the amount doesn’t matter. I can earn that much money again. Uncle Gorio’s life is even more important.” He gently touched the palm of my hand. “But—” “No buts, when I said, I said.” His eyebrows rose at me, so I shyly pulled my hand that had been burning on me earlier. “So