To Cherish

Upon being called a "strange man", Joseph was silent for a moment, but the corners of his lips still twitched as he nodded. Having been through so much and seen the true nature of people, Lucille could now easily discern the goodwill and ill will in a person at this stage of her life. At least when she looked at this handsome yet odd man, she could only feel kindness and tolerance radiating from him. Even though she was not sure where this strange uncle's affection for her stemmed from, there was one thing beyond contention—he harbored no ill will. Seven-year-old Lucille took a deep breath, and her efforts in tending to Joseph's wounds became more meticulous as she bowed her head further. The young girl lowered her eyes. Her long eyelashes fluttered like butterflies, quivering with every blink. Joseph asked, "What is your wish?" Rather than responding immediately, Lucille patiently staunched his bleeding and only after entirely bandaging him did she ask, "Are you satisfied with how I d