Anyone who knew Bosco Leite knew that he was a devout believer and a courteous gentleman. He treated his neighbors kindly, and almost every afternoon after work, he would play football with the local children on the grass in the community garden.
He had two sons. The elder, Ricardo, played for São Paulo's youth team. Many people who understood football believed Ricardo would become an outstanding star one day. His younger son, Rodrigo, was also a player, although those familiar with the game felt he lacked the same level of talent.
The entire Leite family were devoted members of the church. They lived a happy and harmonious life, enjoyed good relationships with their neighbors, and went about their days with a strong sense of purpose.
A few days earlier, Ricardo had gone to a nearby water park with his mother and younger brother. While diving, he accidentally struck his head on the bottom of the pool. At the time, it seemed to be nothing more than a small cut. They went to a nearby hospital, where he received a few stitches, and once the bleeding stopped, everything appeared fine.
But no one could have imagined what would happen next.
The previous day, after finishing training with São Paulo and returning home, Ricardo had suddenly collapsed. When he regained consciousness, he felt severe pain and swelling in his neck.
Bosco was terrified and immediately rushed him back to the hospital for further examinations.
The results revealed a fractured vertebra, an extremely serious injury that could potentially leave him permanently paralysed.
The entire Leite family was devastated.
They pleaded with the doctors to save Ricardo at any cost, but the medical staff told them frankly that there was only a fifty percent chance of a full recovery. The surgery would also be extremely expensive.
Bosco had some savings, but they were nowhere near enough to cover the cost of the operation. With no other option, he turned to São Paulo and asked the club to help with Ricardo's treatment.
The club rated Ricardo highly and agreed to cover part of the medical expenses.
That eased some of Bosco's immediate burden, but it did little to lift his spirits.
"Oh God, if there must be punishment, let it fall upon me instead!" Bosco prayed fervently inside the cathedral.
How desperately he wished he were the one lying in the hospital.
"Have faith, Bosco. Ricardo will be all right. He is a devoted believer, a child of God. He will be protected," his close friend Bishop Estevão comforted him while praying at his side.
"The doctor said the chance of recovery is only fifty percent. Estevão, I... I truly don't know what to do!" Bosco sobbed, completely losing his composure.
He had never suffered such a crushing blow.
Ricardo was the son he cherished most. He was intelligent, sensible, and the child who made Bosco proudest. Never had he imagined that such a disaster would befall him.
"The medical facilities in São Paulo may not be good enough for such a delicate case. Would it be better to seek treatment abroad?" Estevão suggested.
Bosco shook his head.
"I know, but treatment overseas would be even more expensive. And where could we possibly go at such short notice? The doctor also said the operation cannot be delayed."
"Then we can only place our faith in God, Bosco. Even in the darkest moment, we must believe that God will not abandon His children," Estevão said.
Bosco clasped his hands together and prayed.
"We have always placed our faith in You. You are everything to us. Oh God, if You truly protect Your children, please tell me what I should do!"
Almost at the exact moment he finished speaking, a man and woman entered the cathedral.
The man was handsome, with a smile as bright as the sunlight streaming through the doors. The woman beside him was strikingly beautiful.
They looked like tourists, walking in through the main entrance while chatting and laughing. Neither of them noticed Bosco and Estevão praying nearby. Instead, they began looking around the church with obvious interest.
"I still don't understand why you enjoy visiting churches so much," Ethan said helplessly as he followed Eva, amused by how eagerly she explored the building.
Visiting São Paulo Cathedral was understandable, but Ethan found a small church like this rather unremarkable.
Of course, he was not religious.
"I'm not telling you. Besides, since you couldn't find the player you were looking for at São Paulo, you might as well accompany me. We're returning to England in two days anyway," Eva replied.
Naturally, she did not tell him the real reason she had become so interested in churches.
She was quietly preparing for their future wedding.
From the moment she and Ethan had entered a relationship, Eva had already decided that he was the man she intended to marry.
Ethan was somewhat disappointed by the trip to São Paulo.
He had come to Brazil hoping to see Kaká. Ethan had always admired the future World Player of the Year. During his previous trip to sign Juninho, he had considered stopping in São Paulo but ultimately had not done so.
Now that he finally had some free time, he had decided to make the journey.
Unfortunately, Ethan remembered only the nickname Kaká and had completely forgotten his real name.
When he asked around at São Paulo, no one knew who he was referring to, leaving him with no way to continue the search.
As Ethan thought about it, Eva walked to the front of the church and began praying.
He shook his head with a helpless smile.
"You really are devout."
Eva shrugged and spoke in a slightly spoiled tone.
"My father hasn't been in very good health. His old back problem has started troubling him again recently. I'm praying for him."
"That makes sense. You should bring him to Manchester when you get the chance. I know a leading specialist in that field at Manchester Royal Hospital. He's internationally renowned. I've even heard that members of the Royal Family specifically request him for treatment," Ethan said casually.
The specialist was a close friend of Professor Fryer and had also participated in research at The Lab, so Ethan naturally knew him well.
Eva immediately agreed and said she would bring her father to Manchester soon.
In truth, she also wanted her father to meet the man she hoped would become his son-in-law.
Bosco and Estevão, who were standing nearby, overheard the conversation and were stunned.
They had only just finished praying for guidance when Ethan appeared and mentioned a world-renowned spinal specialist.
To them, it felt almost like a miracle.
"Excuse me, are you from England?" Estevão asked as he approached them.
"Yes. We're from Manchester," Ethan replied politely.
"The specialist you just mentioned, does he treat spinal injuries?" Estevão asked.
Ethan frowned slightly.
"I believe so. I've heard that even the Queen has consulted him."
"Could he treat a fractured spine?" Bosco asked anxiously.
"It... should be possible," Ethan replied with some uncertainty.
He knew very little about medicine and could not judge whether such an injury was treatable.
"My friend, the situation is this..." Estevão saw how anxious Bosco was and gently steadied him before explaining everything to Ethan from beginning to end.
"We were just discussing sending the boy abroad for treatment, but we have no idea where to find a suitable specialist. We are also afraid of being deceived, so..."
Ethan thought for a moment.
The name Ricardo sounded familiar, and the story about suffering a spinal injury after hitting the bottom of a swimming pool sounded even more familiar.
He suddenly remembered that Kaká had once suffered a serious spinal injury in similar circumstances.
"Is your son Kaká from São Paulo?" Ethan suddenly asked Bosco.
Bosco often used that nickname himself, so he nodded instinctively.
Estevão clarified from beside him.
"His name is Ricardo Leite, but his family and friends all call him Kaká."
Ethan nearly cried out in surprise.
He had believed he would leave São Paulo without finding Kaká, only to stumble across the boy's father inside a church.
Since Kaká was one of his future idols, Ethan could not possibly stand aside and do nothing.
He also had no idea whether his own presence in this world might somehow alter events. If Kaká became paralysed because the future had changed, Ethan would regret it for the rest of his life.
"Don't worry. I'll make a call and ask about his condition."
Ethan immediately took out his phone and called Professor Fryer in Manchester. He explained Kaká's condition in detail.
By coincidence, Professor Michael Johnson was also at The Lab.
After hearing the description, Johnson immediately said the situation sounded extremely serious, but he needed to review the medical reports before making any judgment.
Ethan kept the call on speakerphone, allowing everyone present to hear the conversation clearly.
From that moment on, Bosco and the others had no reason to doubt him.
They hurried back to the hospital and had all of Kaká's examination reports and test results faxed to Manchester.
After receiving the documents, Professor Johnson discussed the case with Professor Fryer and reached an initial conclusion.
The operation carried considerable risk. Even if Johnson personally performed it, the chance of complete success would be no higher than eighty percent.
Eighty percent.
That was thirty percent higher than the estimate given by the doctors in Brazil.
To Bosco, it felt like a ray of light breaking through the darkness.
However, another problem quickly surfaced.
How could the family afford the surgery?
Professor Johnson also explained that even if the operation was successful, Kaká would need to remain in Manchester for several months for follow-up examinations and rehabilitation. They would need to monitor him closely to prevent complications or a recurrence.
Every part of that would cost money.
Seeing the troubled expressions on the family's faces, Ethan quickly understood what they were worried about.
"How about this, Bosco? You accompany Kaká to Manchester for the operation. I'll find a way to cover the surgical costs. Afterward, you can stay at my home, which will make his follow-up appointments easier. I'll also help with anything else you need."
Ethan looked at him seriously.
"But there's no time to waste. You need to leave as soon as possible."
Bosco was so moved that he almost fell to his knees.
Kaká, lying helplessly in the hospital bed, was equally overwhelmed. His mother began to cry.
For this deeply religious family, there was no doubt in their hearts.
Ethan had to be a messenger sent by God to guide them through this crisis.
"Yes, Bosco, don't hesitate," Estevão urged. "The boy's condition cannot wait."
Bosco gritted his teeth and nodded.
(To be continued.)
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