“I’ll repay you when I’m older,” the homeless girl pleaded as she asked the millionaire for a small carton of milk for her crying baby brother — and his reaction stunned everyone.

“I’m Dr. Ava Reynolds,” she said, extending her hand. “I’ve reviewed your case.”

The name hit him first, then the voice. Something about it tugged at a memory he hadn’t visited in years.

“I’m told there are concerns about coverage,” Nathaniel said carefully. “I won’t take special treatment.”

She smiled slightly. “That won’t be an issue.”

He frowned. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough,” she replied. Then, after a brief pause, she added, “Fifteen years ago, outside a grocery store on Pine Street, you bought a small carton of milk for a girl and her baby brother.”

The room seemed to tilt.

“Ava?” he whispered.

She nodded. “You told me I didn’t owe you anything. I disagreed.”

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