North didn't know where to start. How do I even begin?
He decided to call the Count, but of course, he was busy. Luckily, Lady SM answered.
"North? This is a surprise. How are you?"
"I… I need help," he admitted.
"Help? Of course. What is it?"
"I want to provide housing for people in need… but I don't know where to start."
Lady SM's voice softened, but there was a firmness underneath. "North… I'm proud of you. But… are you sure you're not overdoing it? You can't help everyone all at once. You need to think this through."
"I… I think I can manage," he said, hesitating.
"North," she said gently but strictly, "I'll arrange the logistics and guide you—but you have to be careful. Don't rush into things just because you feel you should. Think before you act, alright?"
Relieved, he agreed. It's easier this way. If I asked the Count, he'd bombard me with questions. Lady SM… she's different—supportive, but she keeps me grounded.
Two days later, he received a message: everything was ready. They only needed his approval. The address? The DSWD office.
"So, these are the people who'll help you coordinate your plan—housing, food, everything," Lady SM explained when he arrived. "You'll oversee the project."
"I'll provide for all of them," North said. "Whatever they need."
A worker looked startled. Lady SM intervened softly. "Don't mind him. Kids these days… eager, but they mean well. We'll handle the logistics. You just give permission."
She leaned closer to North, her tone more serious. "Just… remember, North. You have to balance your good intentions with practicality. Don't let your heart run ahead of your mind. It's admirable, but I want you safe—and I want this done right."
After discussion, everything was set. Temporary shelters while permanent houses were planned. North nodded, exhausted but satisfied.
Lady SM watched him for a moment, then softened. "North… tell me, what made you do this?"
He paused. Why did I do it? Actually… maybe because of her. She said others needed it more than her. If I help them, maybe she'll approve… maybe she'll accept my gesture.
"I… don't know yet," he admitted.
"I'm proud of you, regardless," she said warmly, placing a hand briefly on his shoulder. "Keep learning, discovering. That's what Knight wanted for you. But promise me—you won't do this just to prove something. Be thoughtful. Always."
Later, as Eunsol worked her shift at the ice cream shop, the day stretched long. Annie had called out again, leaving her with an extra shift. The customers, the mess, the tedious tasks—it all piled on. She sighed. Another day… another circle.
She finished a customer's order. "One soda, please."
When she looked up, she froze.
"Oh… it's you!" the kid from the park exclaimed.
Eunsol gave a faint smile. "You're persistent."
"Of course! You gave me candy last time!"
She shook her head lightly, amused. "Just this once, then." She handed over a popsicle. "There's a small prize inside—consider it a thank you."
"Yay! Kamsahamnida!"
Eunsol smirked. Kids and their traditions… always funny.
As the child left, her thoughts drifted. And North… what is he doing now? Did he follow through? He's strange… but I can't rely on him. I must remain careful. My life is not his to touch.
She packed up for the night, tired but alert. Life moves in circles. I endure… but I can't let anyone close. Not even my Savior.