William pressed the elevator button with a practiced motion and let out a weary sigh.
— Finally, this endlessly long workday is over… What a demanding new boss, — he muttered under his breath.
No, he wouldn’t be sprawling on the couch in front of the TV. Nor would he sit at the computer, sipping a mug of beer. William was a young husband and father. No time for passive rest—hardly any rest at all—when his son, little Matthew, had just turned two. But he loved his family dearly and, despite work fatigue, was ready to devote himself entirely to them.
William married young, at twenty, though his parents weren’t thrilled at first. But love swept him off his feet so completely that he was determined to win over Ellen, a girl he’d met online.
A year later, their son was born. Sure, he didn’t get to live for himself like his peers, hanging out at cafés and clubs. But William didn’t regret it one bit.
— Ellie, I’m home, — William called, shrugging off his jacket.
The patter of tiny feet echoed in the hallway. Matthew, arms outstretched, toddled toward his dad. Ellen followed, holding a half-chopped cucumber.
— Hey, Will. All good, just about done with dinner.
— You’re amazing, — William said, kissing his wife.
— Shall we all go for a walk tonight? — Ellen asked.
— Of course, like always, darling, — William replied.
This tradition started long ago, before they married. Every evening, they’d take a short stroll in the small park near their home, just to clear their heads and sleep well afterward. Now there were three of them, but that was no reason to break the habit. Matthew slept soundly through the night after their walks, much to his parents’ delight.
Dinner passed deliciously and quickly.
— Ready to go? — William asked, grabbing Matthew’s clothes from the closet.
— Yep, let’s do it, — Ellen replied, packing a few snacks for Matthew just in case.
Five minutes later, the family stood outside their building.
— Let’s just wander through the park, breathe some fresh air. No stops anywhere, — William suggested.
He pushed the stroller, where Matthew sat proudly, swiveling his head side to side.
Suddenly, the evening’s calm was shattered by a piercing female scream from the bushes. At first, Ellen and William thought it might be teens squabbling. But another scream rang out, even more desperate than the first.
— Ellie, stay here. I’ll just check what’s happening and be right back, — said William, unable to ignore someone’s distress.
— I’m scared, — Ellen admitted, genuinely frightened.
William’s heart pounded, but his instinct to help someone in trouble overpowered his fear. It wouldn’t be honest to hide that he was once a professional boxer with great promise. A freak injury had cut his career short, but, remarkably, the sport taught him compassion and how to protect himself and loved ones in emergencies. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the screams.
In the bushes, a girl pinned against a tree was crying out for help with her last strength. Two burly men loomed over her. One yanked at her bag; the other gripped her throat, his free hand groping under her dress. William charged, landing a swift punch to the side of the man holding her. The thug groaned and crumpled. The second, caught off guard, dropped the bag and took a heavy blow to the jaw. He collapsed. Seeing the first man stir, William leapt over and subdued him again. Both attackers lay sprawled on the ground. Like a boxer in the ring, William stood ready for more, but no further fight came. One of the men came to and rasped:
— Alright, kid, you win. We’re done.
He dragged his accomplice away, limping off.
— Your place is behind bars, not among decent people, — William shouted after them.
The girl sobbed uncontrollably. Tears, mixed with mascara, streamed black down her cheeks. Her body trembled, and she couldn’t stop shaking.
— It’s okay now, sweetheart. You’re safe, — William reassured her.
Ellen couldn’t hold back either. Realizing the danger had passed, she joined her husband. Little Matthew stared wide-eyed at his brave dad.
— Will, you’re my hero. A true protector, — Ellen said with pride.
But the fear she’d felt in those fleeting moments hit her hard. Tears welled up as she hugged William, wrapping her arms around his neck.
— I surrender. I can’t handle a double dose of tears, — William managed a smile.
Then a phone rang in the girl’s bag. With trembling, unsteady fingers, she answered.
— Hello, Steven, — she said, voice quaking.
— What’s wrong, Katie? Are you crying? What happened? — a worried man’s voice asked.
— I… I was attacked by thugs. Someone saved me. Please come quick, — she pleaded.
— I’m here, near our place, love. Where are you? — he pressed.
— In the overgrown bushes by the park near the next courtyard, — she replied, lowering the phone from her pale face.
Only now did Ellen notice the girl’s slightly rounded belly—she was pregnant. A chill ran through her. If not for William, both the girl and her unborn child could’ve been harmed.
Scum, no words for them, Ellen thought.
She offered the girl a bottle of water and a wet wipe.
A rustle and snapping twig announced someone’s arrival. A well-dressed man with disheveled hair and a face frantic with worry burst through.
— Katie, my love, — he rushed to her, embracing her. — I’m so sorry I got held up at work. I should’ve come the moment you called. This nightmare wouldn’t have happened. Are you okay? The baby?
He touched her stomach gently.
— It’s all fine now. There were two of them. They jumped me on the path home and dragged me here. This man saved me, — she said, pointing to William.
— You can’t imagine what you’ve done. You protected my wife and our unborn child from those monsters. I’ll be grateful to you for as long as I live. Katie’s everything to me. I couldn’t go on without her, — the man said, voice breaking. — I’m Steven, — he extended his hand.
— William. This is my wife, Ellen, — William responded, shaking it.
— Good evening, Ellen. Sorry we’re meeting under such awful circumstances. I can’t just let you go like this. You’re like friends now—only a true friend would act so bravely, — Steven said.
— Any decent man would’ve done the same. Nothing extraordinary, — William replied.
— To me, you’re a hero and always will be. If you ever need help, just say the word. Would you mind meeting up? I’d love to know more about you, — Steven asked.
William and Ellen exchanged a glance and nodded in unison.
— Come over tomorrow. We’ll chat, get to know each other, — Steven offered.
He pulled out a pen and paper, jotting down his number and address. Matthew let out a grumpy noise from the stroller—grown-ups were talking too long and forgetting him.
— Time to go. Lots of chores left. See you tomorrow, — William said.
— We’ll be waiting eagerly, — Steven replied.
William was a humble man, uneasy with excessive praise or admiration. He didn’t feel like a hero, especially given his athletic background. But he did want a good friend. His only close buddy, Nick, had moved away. Visits grew rare, then stopped, leaving just a couple of calls a year.
— So glad to see you, — Steven and Katie beamed as William and Ellen stepped into their home.
Matthew was with William’s parents for the evening. The hosts were warm and fun, like at a lively youth party. Common ground came easily, helped by their similar ages. Steven and Katie were just a couple of years older, and both couples had married in the same year and month. What a coincidence. Steven, thanks largely to his father’s connections, was climbing the career ladder fast. At twenty-four, he was already deputy director at a major firm. William, though, had no interest in ambition, content with his modest bank clerk salary. His five years studying programming seemed wasted, though the field was in high demand.
The group glowed with happiness, reluctant to let their guests go. Steven and Katie thanked William repeatedly for saving Katie.
— You know, I value every day now. I swear. It’s terrifying to think what could’ve happened to Katie and the baby. We had issues with the pregnancy, so this child’s long-awaited. Let’s stick together for life—real friends. Wouldn’t that be great? — Steven proposed.
William and Ellen were just as thrilled with the new connection.
— Will, you’re wrong to shrug off a career. Let me help. We’ve got a solid programmer vacancy opening in a month. Good pay. Come join us, friend.
Steven was eager to repay William for saving Katie.
— I’ll think about it, Steven, — William replied, hesitant on such matters.
— Take it, — Katie chimed in. — Steven wouldn’t offer anything bad.
The evening flew by. William and Ellen kept glancing at the clock—time to head home.
— Stay a bit longer, — Steven urged.
— Steve, we’ve got to go. Matthew’s only with his grandparents for the evening. You’ll feel the full joys of family life when your baby arrives, — Ellen said.
— True. But we’re so excited for it, — Katie laughed.
— Let’s at least snap a photo for the memories. No objections, right? — Steven grinned.
A quick click captured their joyful, laughing faces. Seeing they couldn’t keep their guests, everyone moved to the hallway.
— William, Ellen, so we’re set—friends for life. Will, I expect you at the firm in a month. Promise you won’t let me down, — Steven pressed.
— No way, Steve. Wouldn’t dream of it. Ellen’s birthday is in six weeks. You’re invited, — William said.
— We’ll be there. Bye, Will, Ellen, see you soon, — Steven waved.
— You’re acting like I’m off to war, — William chuckled.
But none of them could’ve guessed their “soon” would be… twenty years later.
Two weeks passed since their meeting, then a third. No word from William or Ellen—like they’d vanished. Steven’s calls went unanswered.
“Subscriber unavailable,” droned the automated voice.
Maybe they changed numbers—life happens. Steven was restless. He’d found a friend, only to lose him. Real friends were scarce for him. Some circled for his or his father’s money, but he didn’t need fake pals.
By the fourth week, the programmer job opened at Steven’s firm. The director was ready to hire someone else, but Steven begged him to wait a couple of days, insisting he had a candidate—his best friend. He couldn’t wait any longer.
What’s going on? he wondered.
That evening, he dug out the slip with their address and went to William and Ellen’s place. No answer at the door. He rang again—silence. A third time…
He knocked repeatedly. A grumpy neighbor poked her head out.
— Why the racket? Clearly, no one’s home.
— Sorry. My friend William lives here with his wife and kid. I can’t reach him, and his phone’s off. Have you seen them lately? — Steven asked.
— Some friend you are, knowing nothing. They left two weeks ago, — she snapped.
— Okay, thanks. I’ll come back when they’re here, — Steven said.
— They’re not coming back, — she sneered.
— What are you saying? They’ll be back, — Steven said, growing tense.
— Are you deaf? They’re gone. Sold me their apartment—cheap, too, since they were in a rush. I needed it for my son. Took a mortgage, but it’s worth it, — she admitted.
— Do you know where they went? — Steven asked hopefully.
— Another city. Where or why? Don’t know, don’t care. We done here? Get away from my door. Go, — she barked, slamming her own.
To say Steven was upset was an understatement. He was crushed. His friend was gone, left only in memory and a photo. Worst of all, William hadn’t reached out when trouble hit, despite promising he would. So he didn’t want to.
Such a shame…
Steven always believed male friendship was the strongest.
Katie was heartbroken too. She’d hoped Ellen would become a close friend, sharing parenting tips, with her baby due in two months. But it wasn’t meant to be. Many would shrug and move on.
“They came, they went. Who needs friends like that?”
But not Steven and Katie. They vowed to always remember this family, no matter what. The photo would keep those brave people vivid, even after years. If only they knew where they were and if they were okay…
William and Ellen had no intention of cutting ties with their new friends, their home, their city. It all unraveled in days.
One evening, a fateful call came from Ellen’s mom’s friend.
— Ellie, your mom’s in trouble. She had a stroke and is in the hospital. Half her body’s paralyzed. There’s no one but you to care for her, — she delivered the grim news.
Ellen had come to the city from a small town. She lost her dad young, leaving just her mom, who’d always been healthy—until now. Her mom refused to move to the city.
— Sweetie, don’t burden yourself. Put me in a nursing home. I hear they take good care of folks like me, — her mom suggested, knowing Ellen’s struggle.
— No, Mom, I won’t leave you alone like this or hand you to strangers. I’m coming, — Ellen promised.
After talking to her mom’s doctor, she told William:
— Will, I’m going to Mom. I’ll take Matthew. She needs me. You can visit us.
— No way I’m letting you go alone. We’re family—together always. Think about it: you, alone with a sick mom and a toddler? We’ll go together. Sell the apartment, and I’ll find work. Programmers are in demand, — William decided without a doubt.
— What about your parents? They won’t like this…
Ellen knew William’s parents never warmed to her, thinking a “country girl” had snagged their city boy with an apartment. And so it went. William’s mom and dad were furious. But he stood firm:
— Ellen’s facing a huge loss, and I need to be with her—she’s my wife. I’ll visit you.
They sold the apartment quickly to the neighbor. All set…
Steven and Katie! We have to tell them. They’re expecting us, William thought.
He meant to call, but the slip with Steven’s number got lost in the frantic packing. William went to Steven’s place, but no one was home. He tried again—same result.
Fine, I’ll stop by when I visit my parents, he thought.
But it never happened. Fate cruelly parted the friends.
Twenty years passed…
The number unsettles some, but it’s not much when life flows steadily, day by day, with familiar faces and routines. That’s how it was for William and Ellen. Neither chased big dreams, living modestly, paycheck to paycheck. William never climbed the career ladder—ambition wasn’t his thing. But they preserved their love, sincerity, and warmth, even when Ellen, pregnant again, fell down stairs, ending her chance to have more children.
They grew so used to small-town life that they stayed even after Ellen’s mom defied doctors’ grim predictions and improved. Matthew grew up with his parents’ best traits but, unlike his dad, craved financial success. No surprise—youth today seem wired to believe money solves most things. There was no doubt Matthew would leave for the city to study. And he did, becoming a programmer like his dad, but with career dreams. He rented a place with a friend and came home most weekends. As usual, he called one Friday, sounding shy:
— Mom, I’m bringing a girl. Her name’s Marina. I haven’t told you about her—she’s stunning and brilliant. You’ll see.
— Of course, come together, — Ellen replied, sensing this day would come.
Marina was just as Matthew described—educated, beautiful, with impeccable manners. Clearly from a well-off family, but raised perfectly, her every word brimming with respect, kindness, and care.
— What’re you studying? — William asked her.
— Medicine—I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. Mom says I’ll make it. For now, I work part-time as a nurse in a private clinic, — Marina answered.
— Doctor’s great. I’m heading to the city soon for a hospital visit myself. Heart’s been acting up, though I’m not old yet. Read somewhere ex-boxers get this, — William said, visibly concerned. — What do your parents do?
— Mom’s a homemaker now. Dad’s in business—CEO of two companies, — she replied confidently.
CEO, imagine that. Will he want to connect with us? Those types usually stick to their own, William thought.
But then he caught himself—Matthew was no slouch, educated and well-mannered, and Marina clearly loved him.
Time flies. Matthew’s all grown up.
A touch of sadness hit, but not bitter. William never regretted his life—Ellen was always by his side, and Matthew would be fine, no question.
The weekend ended fast. Matthew and Marina headed back to the city. Nice girl—she reminded William of someone, but he couldn’t place who.
A couple of weeks later, William prepared for his city trip, booked with a cardiologist. No specialists like that in their town. Plus, he needed to see his dad—his mom had passed two years ago, leaving him alone.
The train pulled into a sunlit platform. Through the window, William saw Matthew and Marina waving, smiling brightly. He stepped off, then felt a sharp pain in his chest. He pushed through, but after a few steps, he collapsed, unable to stand.
— Dad, what’s wrong? Are you okay? — Matthew rushed over, panicked, with Marina close behind.
William could only wheeze, words failing him.
— He came to see a doctor. Marina, what do we do? Help! — Matthew pleaded.
It was Marina’s first time in such a crisis. In her panic, instead of calling an ambulance, she dialed the clinic where she worked. Her desperate plea was answered instantly—colleagues adored the kind, attentive nurse. Luck was on their side; the clinic was nearby, and a car arrived minutes later. Soon after medical intervention, William came to, facing the stern look of his doctor.
— You’re back with us, good. Could’ve gone differently if not for these young people. But how can you be so careless with your health? You should’ve been seeing a cardiologist ages ago. I suggest a full checkup and immediate treatment, — the doctor said firmly.
— Doctor, wait. What’s his condition? Prognosis? — Marina stopped him in the hall.
— He’s stable, possible stroke. With proper treatment, his heart will keep ticking. He just needs to stay committed and follow orders.
Then Marina’s phone rang.
— Sweetie, where are you? It’s Mom’s anniversary today. You promised to be on time, — her dad said, sounding hurt.
— Dad, something happened. My boyfriend Matthew’s dad had a heart issue. You know, I told you about Matthew? We got him to my clinic. William’s doing better now. Says ex-boxers don’t give up easy. Sorry, I’ll be there soon, — Marina explained.
William, ex-boxer, son Matthew… A realization hit Steven, Marina’s dad.
— Sweetie, what’s Matthew’s mom’s name? — he asked.
— Ellen, Dad. I’ll introduce you and Mom to them soon, — she promised.
It was him—his William, the one who saved Katie and Marina all those years ago.
— Marina, don’t leave the clinic. I’m coming now, — Steven said, voice trembling with emotion.
— Where is he? Can I see him? — Steven asked about William the moment he arrived.
He barely recalled walking to the room. He opened the door…
— William, it’s you, my friend. I’ve searched for you so long. Not a day’s gone by without me thinking of what you did for me. I lost you then, but now I’ve found you. Our kids fell in love—we’re family now. Forever, — Steven said, tears in his eyes.
— Steve, I’m so sorry it turned out so messy back then. Forgive me if you can, — William struggled for words.
He just hugged Steven and gripped his hand tightly. True friendship never rusts…
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