Constants and Transients

"Great master Nara!" a man evoked, out of breath. "It's happening, just like you predicted. M-My wife... she-"

"-will be fine," Krish finished the man's sentence. "Just do as I've told you, and fetch those three. Go, now! Don't waste time."

The man nodded firmly, his gaze filled with certainty and faith even though his heart was blaring in panic. And without an ounce of doubt, the man worked through his exhaustion borne of age and ascended the steps leading to the orphanage.

"I don't get it," Marie commented. "I thought you promised to save Auntie Lane? Why is she struggling now, all of a sudden?"

"I did change her fate. Her sacrifice was not in vain," Krish said with a mysterious smile. "I believe you've made inquiries about these things before. Losing a thumb to save two lives isn't an equivalent trade. BUT, it was enough to alter certain events and hasten others so that the conditions at the time of her delivery lean heavily in favour of her wish."