Later that afternoon, a luxury medical van pulled up outside the municipal hospital downtown.
Eleanor walked through the doors of the private pediatric wing, holding a small wrapped box in her hands.
Inside the bright, private recovery room, Leo was sitting on a soft leather examination couch, while a top orthopedic specialist examined his leg.
Doctor: The alignment on his old prosthetic was completely warped from the fall, Mrs. Vance, but we have good news.
Eleanor: Tell me, Doctor.
Doctor: We have a brand-new, state-of-the-art robotic limb available from our research division. It features real-time electronic balance sensors.
Leo: A robotic leg? Like a real superhero?
Doctor: Exactly like a superhero, buddy. You'll be able to run, jump, and play soccer without any pain at all.
Sarah sat in the armchair beside the bed, tears of overwhelming gratitude running down her face.
Sarah: Eleanor... medical equipment like that costs over fifty thousand dollars. We could never afford that in ten lifetimes.
Eleanor: You don't have to afford anything, Sarah. The Vance Family Foundation has covered every cent of Leo's medical care permanently.
Sarah: How can I ever repay you for this?
Eleanor: By accepting a job offer I'm about to make you.
Eleanor handed a thick leather folder to Sarah, sitting down on the edge of the couch beside her.
Sarah: What is this?
Eleanor: It's a contract for the head design position at my foundation's custom apparel division. Starting salary is one hundred and twenty thousand dollars a year, plus full family health insurance.
Sarah dropped the folder onto her lap, gasping as her hands shook uncontrollably.
Sarah: One hundred and twenty thousand...? Eleanor... I haven't worked in a professional studio in over ten years!
Eleanor: You have more talent in your pinky finger than half the commercial designers in this city. You just needed a fair chance.
Leo: Mom! Does this mean we don't have to move out of the city?
Eleanor: It means you're moving into a brand-new, three-bedroom apartment in the Westside district tomorrow morning, Leo.
Leo: A three-bedroom apartment?! With a real balcony?!
Eleanor: With a real balcony overlooking the park. And the elevator works twenty-four hours a day.
Leo threw his arms around Eleanor's neck, hugging her tightly as he burst into happy tears.
Leo: Thank you, Mrs. Vance! Thank you so much!
Eleanor: You are a very brave young man, Leo. When that man tripped you, you apologized even though you did nothing wrong. That showed me how special your heart is.
Leo: My mom taught me to always be polite, even when people are mean.
Eleanor: Well, from now on, no one is ever going to be mean to you again. I will personally make sure of it.