I reached into the leather pouch hanging from my belt and removed the small vial containing the healing tonic. My fingers trembled slightly, the weight of my decision pressing upon me. This was the last of the medicine the woman had given me—a precious gift I'd intended to save for future emergencies.
But the muffled sobs on the other side of the window made my choice clear. This child needed help now, not later.
I looked around to ensure I was alone, then quickly tossed the small bottle through the narrow opening in the window.
It landed with a soft clink on the wooden floor.
The woman's head snapped up, her red-rimmed eyes wide with fear as she clutched her child tighter to her chest.
"Who's there?" she called out, her voice raw from crying.
I remained hidden in the shadows, watching as her gaze fell upon the vial. She hesitated, clearly torn between suspicion and desperate hope.
