CHAPTER 9-SHOE SHOP

Brooke tried to move his legs and to his surprise, they responded. He sat up in bed and the doctors around him were stunned, their mouths agape. Dr. Garcia, who had assisted him for months was speechless and had seen many patients in his career but never anything like this.

With the help of the medical staff, Brooke slowly stood up from the bed, his legs trembled at first but as he gained confidence. He took a few tentative steps forward. The room erupted in cheers and applause as Brooke walked towards the door.

"I need to take a walk," Brooke said.

Dr. Garcia supported him, still looking stunned, "Be careful, Brooke."

Brooke made his way out of the room, his legs carrying him down the hospital hallways. As he walked, he could hear the whispers and gasps of the hospital staff and patients. They couldn't believe their eyes, that the crippled man was walking again.

Brooke felt freedom as he made his way to the bathroom. He locked the door behind him and took a long, hot shower. Feeling the warmth of his bones. When he emerged, he was wrapped in a towel, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

As he opened the door, he was shocked to see Nurse Ellie standing outside, her eyes also widened in surprise. She looked him up and down, taking his blonde hair and lean physique.

"It's amazing to see you walking again, Brooke." Nurse Ellie felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "So you don't need my assistance anymore, do you?"

Brooke shook his head, "No, I think I can manage myself from here. I'm discharging myself."

Ellie handed him a pair of clothes, and Brooke quickly dressed, feeling like a new man. He looked in the mirror, hardly recognizing the person staring back at him. His eyes sparkled with joy and his smile could light up a room.

"Thanks, Ellie. You've been a great help to me." Brooke said.

"You're welcome, Brooke. You deserve a second chance. And what are you going to do now?" Nurse Ellie asked.

Brooke turned to face her, a smile still on his face, "I'm going to live my life, Ellie. I'm going to make the most of this second chance."

Brooke stepped out of the hospital and he thought he'd never experience walking on his two feet.

"Congratulations, Brooke! You're standing on your own feet again!" the system said.

"Thanks, fate. And it's time for some new shoes, don't you think?" Brooke chuckled.

Brooke walked downtown and took in the sights and sounds of the bustling streets. He passed by cafes, restaurants, and shops, his eyes scanning the storefronts for the perfect place to find his new shoes. That's when he saw the Dawson shoes, a famous store known for its high-quality footwear.

Brooke pushed open the door and stepped inside, greeted by the friendly face of a sales associate. "Welcome to Dawson Shoes! How can I help you today?"

"Just browsing, thanks," Brooke replied, his eyes scanning the shelves. He wandered over to the men's section, running his fingers over the different styles and materials. As he was examining a pair of sleek black boots, he noticed a commotion on the other side of the store.

"You're a thief!" he heard the man shout.

A saleslady, kneeling on the floor, was begging for mercy. "Please, I didn't take it! I swear!" she cried.

The fortune Teller system flashed what had happened. Brooke saw the lady named Lucy Mendes, a hardworking and honest employee, being set up by a jealous coworker named Abigail who wanted her out. The coworker had planted the wallet in Lucy's bag and then accused her of theft.

Brooke's eyes narrowed as he watched them, he knew he had to act. "Excuse me, I think there's been a mistake here," he said calmly.

The man turned to him, his eyes narrowing, "And who are you to interfere? You don't know what's going on here."

"I may not know what's going on but I know that Lucy didn't take your waller. She's innocent." Brooke said.

Lucy was surprised, "How did you know my name, sir?"

Brooke smiled, "Just a lucky guess. But I'm telling you, Mr. You're wrong. Lucy didn't steal anything."

The old man scoffed, "You're just a foolish boy who doesn't know what's going on. You shouldn't be interfering in things you don't understand!"

Abigail, who had been watching the exchange with interest, stepped forward, "Yeah, who you are to stick up for Lucy? You're just some poor guy who can't even afford to buy a decent pair of shoes!"

Brooke looked into Abigail's eyes and saw guilt for framing Lucy, "Really? Well, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, Abigail."

Abigail was taken aback and her forehead creased, confused as to how he knew her name when they were not wearing a name tag. "You think the manager is going to take your side? You're just some nobody who walked in off the street. You don't know anything about our store or our manager." she snorted.

Brooke smiled again, "Actually, I do know the manager. He's a friend of mine and I'm sure he'll be interested to hear about what's going on here."

Abigail's expression faltered, but she quickly regained her composure, "I don't believe you. You're just trying to stir up trouble!"

Brooke shrugged, "Believe me or not, but I'm willing to bet that Lucy is innocent. And if we call the manager, we'll find out the truth."

The old man, still looking angry, "Better to call the manager, and let's see who's telling the truth here."

Speaking of the manager, they saw a tall, imposing figure enter the shop. His eyes scanned the area and then he saw Brooke Rancher.

"Mr. Trevor Dawson," Brooke uttered his name.

Trevor the owner and the manager of the shop strode towards, Brooke and he was shocked that he was no longer a crippled guy. "My savior! I'm glad to see you here!"

Brooke smiled, "I could say the same, Trevor. How's your family anyways?"

Trevor's eyes misted over, "They're doing well, me and Isabella got together again and our baby is already two months old. And it's because of your gift."