The car glided into the serenenes of Maplewood Estates, the gentle hum of its engine breaking the silence of the winter morning.


    M parked by the entrance, the path lined with glowing fairy lights. From the trunk, she retrieved two crates of exotic fruits and made her way across the street to the neighboring vi.


    She knocked on the door, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she handed over the fruits.


    "Howard, these are a small token of appreciation for the candles. Please, ept them."


    M was the sort who cherished the kindness of others, whether grand or simple. She had a principle: repay goodness with goodness. It was a part of her nature, to the extent that she couldn''t rest easy otherwise.


    Conversely, if someone wronged her, she was equally steadfast in standing her ground.


    It had started with an unknown neighbor gifting her a beautiful candle, lifting her spirits. To her, it was only fair to return the favor, ensuring a circle of goodwill.


    Fortunately, Howard epted the fruits with a warm smile, expressing his gratitude before graciously receiving the gift.


    ...


    Back in her own home, M spent the next hour unloading the remaining supplies for the holiday season.


    After a refreshing shower, she changed into her pajamas and settled at her desk, absorbed in sketching hertest designs until dawn.


    This was her downtime; she''d nap when tiredness crept in.


    Half-asleep, she was awakened by a call from Eugene. He mentioned that his surgery had gone well and he was ready to be discharged. He needed a ride home.


    "Sis, you know no one else woulde to pick me up but you."


    His voice, tinged with mncholy, pulled at her heartstrings. Understanding his family situation, M couldn''t refuse. She roused her weary body and drove to the hospital.


    "Sis!"


    Outside the hospital, Eugene waved energetically, his smile bright enough to chase away the winter chill.


    M pulled over, noting his light attire. She quickly ushered him into the warmth of the car.


    Once inside, her eyes fell on the small bag he carried, and she frowned.


    "Why are you dressed so lightly? A whole week in the hospital and that''s all you have?"


    Eugene chuckled, "I had Sienna take most of my stuff yesterday. Can we go home now? The hospital food is awful. I can''t wait to have your cooking again."


    His yful tone was reserved just for her.


    M, the only person he could turn to forfort, shook her head in mock exasperation. She drove to the market, picking up fresh vegetables and fruits, but turned down Eugene''s request for meat-it wasn''t suitable for his recovery.


    They headed back to Eugene''s residentialplex.


    He had lived here alone ever since he was sent away from the Montgomery family as a child. M, empathizing with his situation, often visited, treating him as her younger brother. She understood the sting of familial rejection and tried her best to offer him the warmth she could.


    Once they reached Eugene''s home, the sight of the grey-toned decor and the empty silence within was striking. However, the most surprising feature was the walls covered in a sea of mathematical equations, scribbled in ck ink.


    M wasn''t taken aback; she knew Eugene''s passion for mathematics. A prodigy, he was now a prized student at Northpoint University, under the mentorship of a renowned schr in the field.


    It was curious, perhaps, how the Montgomery brothers were both so gifted. Lysander excelled in business andputing, a renaissance man of sorts, while Eugene''s mathematical prowess promised a brilliant future.


    As thoughts of her own son flitted through her mind, M''s chest tightened briefly -better not dwell on that now.


    ...


    She made her way to the kitchen, familiar with itsyout.


    The space was spotless, but the empty fridge spoke volumes about how seldom Eugene cooked at home. She recalled the doctor''s advice.