Free Whispers in the Wind by Al Lacy

and it’s true. ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way.’”
    Hearing those words come from the doctor brought a melancholy smile to Dane’s lips. “My mother used to quote that same saying often, Dr. Harris. And I’m trying my best to hang on to it and live by it. Today was discouraging job-wise, but I did find a home of sorts, and some new friends. Tomorrow’s another day. I’ll be out there bright and early, looking for a job. I need to find a good one and stay with it for the sake of food and other needs I’ll have until the solution for my education presents itself.”
    “I appreciate your attitude. You stick with it. You did a good job taking care of Billy. I really believe you have the heart and mind for being a doctor. You’re going to make a good one.”
    “Thank you for the encouragement, Doctor.”
    Harris smiled. “You’re going to get some more valuable experience. I need you to take care of Billy’s lip during this next week.”
    “I’ll be glad to do it, sir.”
    The doctor turned and went to the medicine cabinet. He opened a glass door and took out a small jar of ointment. Moving back to the examining table where Billy lay, he handed the jar to Dane. “Wash the cut with clean water every morning, then apply the ointment. He has enough on the cut now to last till morning.”
    Dane nodded as he noted the shiny substance on Billy’s lip.
    “Another thing, Dane.”
    “Yes, sir?”
    “Billy won’t be able to eat solid food until I take the stitches out. Chewing will cause him pain. He will have to have liquids only. That means broth for breakfast and soup for his other meals.”
    “I’ll explain this to the others in the colony, Doctor,” said Russell. “We get food quite often at the café near our alley. They give us what they have left over at the end of the day. Sometimes they don’t have any, and other times it isn’t very much, but we’ll explain this to the people at the café and I’m sure they’ll see that Billy has broth and soup to eat. We may have to pay for it sometimes out of the money we bring in by begging on the street, but one way or another, we’ll see that Billy gets his broth and soup.”
    “Good. Also, this boy needs to drink a lot of water.” The doctor looked down at his patient. “Do you hear me, Billy? Lots of water. I know it will hurt some to put a cup to your mouth, but it’s important that you drink plenty of water. It will ward off infection. Understand?”
    Billy met his gaze and nodded.
    “Good. And try not to touch your lip with your hands. Any germs that might be on them could get into the cut and that would be bad. Okay?”
    Billy nodded again.
    “I’ll do my best to take care of him, Dr. Harris,” said Dane, “even though I’ll have to be away from the alley to look for a job.”
    “The girls and I will take care of him when you’re not there, Dane,” said Russell.
    Dane smiled at him.
    “I’ll come to the alley next Saturday to check on Billy’s lip and make sure it is healing all right,” said the doctor.
    “We’ll be looking for you, Doctor,” said Dane. He reached into his pocket and took out the two silver dollars that Thomas Milford had given him and extended them to Dr. Harris. “Will this cover your bill for taking care of Billy?”
    Harris shook his head. “There is no charge, Dane. I take care of the street children for free.”
    “But Bessie Evans told me you help lots of poor families who can’t pay you, sir. Bessie is the girl who was screaming when I drew near the alley. She said you don’t make a lot of money and even though many people can’t pay you, you help them anyhow. I want you to take this money.”
    Dr. Harris shook his head. “No, Dane. I can’t take money for caring for the alley children. Besides, I have a feeling that’s all the money you have in the world. Right?”
    Dane’s eyes dropped to the ground, then he raised them and met the doctor’s gaze. “Yes, sir. But I—”
    “You keep