The sound of conversation filled Derrick's modest apartment as August sat comfortably on the worn couch, sipping from a steaming cup of tea that Tara had prepared.
The atmosphere was warm and lighthearted.
Tara sat across from him in a cushioned chair with her hands resting lightly on her growing belly. Her gratitude was visible and her eyes glistened with emotion as she spoke. "August, I don't even know how to put this into words. You saved me—saved us. I don't know how we'll ever repay you."
Derrick, leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed, nodded fervently. "She's right. I don't care what you say—this is more than we could ever ask for. You gave me my family back, man. That's something I can't put a price on."
August waved a hand dismissively. "You two really need to stop making such a big deal out of this. I did what anyone else would've done."