To outsiders, Robert was a winner in life.
In fact, he was indeed a winner in life. His life had been smooth-sailing. He had never suffered or suffered.
Robert was humble and polite. He was also very loving and was never stingy when it came to charity donations.
He had a pair of very magical hands. His hands had saved many neurotic brains.
His hands were affectionately called—
The hand of God.
As Robert's only son, little Herbert was also very smart. However, unlike Robert's courage and cheerfulness, little Herbert was gentle and kind by nature and a little timid. He took after his mother.
Young Herbert was almost seven years old this year and in the second grade.
Young Herbert got off the school bus after school and followed the chubby Ian to his house. Herbert's mother would come to town to buy groceries later. Herbert planned to wait for his mother to come and go back with her.