The Beginning of Healing

From 2:30 to 6:00 a.m., he hauled cargo at a freight yard. After a short rest, he returned to the hospital to keep his daughter company. At noon, he left for a part-time job, then performed on the street in the evening...

For three years, this father had kept going around the clock. His body had long since reached its breaking point, held together by sheer will.

He didn't dare stop, and he didn't dare let anything happen to him... because his daughter had no one else.

Another evening came. When the man finished his performance, he had no idea how he'd made it through. The instant it ended, his vision went dark and his ears rang.

It should have gone like any other day: finish the show, wait for tips, pack up his props, and head to the hospital...

But today, something changed. The man looked up. Three spectators remained who should have left: a little girl, a middle-aged man, and a Construct.

"Wow! Buddy, your moves were spot-on! You've got my respect! But I'm not giving up my spot as the Starlight Knight's number-one fan!"

Billy kept pestering the man, while Griseo and Meflor stood a little farther back.

"Your Highness, if you wish to help him, why not let me handle it directly?"

"Then, Mr. Mayor, do you still need my answer?"

"Come on, buddy." Billy slung an arm around Morel's shoulders and took the battered cloth bag full of props with his other hand.

"You've been performing for ages. You must be hungry. Want to grab a bite with us?"

"With you?" Morel paused and looked past Billy at Griseo and Meflor.

"Yeah!" Billy grinned, his mechanical eyes glowing a friendly blue. "We're all Starlight Knight fans! Come on, we can talk over food—and discuss a