"Because I was left unable to walk unaided, I was not allowed to take gym at school. So, I was sent to the all girl's school while my own had gym, to take home economics classes. I discovered that I liked to sew and cook, and that I was pretty good at it."

When Ilya complimented him on his kindness and generosity, Dolemeck's smile grew a bit more. It only faded slightly when Ilya mentioned that he never met someone who was not related to him, that thought he mattered. He dragged himself over, and gave Ilya a hug.

"You matter to me, just as you matter to everyone else at this school." He spoke in a soft, gentle tone. "All life matters, Ilya. You matter, and you should not forget that, ever."