After a few minutes, the man finally spoke. His voice was rough, like it came from a throat strained too far.
"Th-thank you… son… for helping me…"
Alaric turned toward him, listening intently.
"I… I'm sorry… for being a burden."
The man's words came from a place of deep awareness. He *knew* he had been difficult to assist. His body, no longer as strong as it once was, made everything harder for himself and for others. But in his face was also a quiet gratitude.
Alaric shook his head gently. His voice was calm.
"Please, don't say that. If I were in your shoes, I'd hope someone would stop and help me too."
The older man said nothing, but something in his posture softened. His unease dulled by those few simple words.
Still, Alaric's curiosity lingered. It eventually found its way into a question, cautiously voiced.
