Every day after school, I sat outside with a small table, selling handmade crochet toys to raise money for my friend Ethan’s mom, who needed urgent medical treatment. It was exhausting work, but I couldn’t give up—she deserved a chance to heal. My dad used to tell me, “Real strength is protecting people weaker than you.” He was the leader of a local motorcycle club, a man who looked intimidating to others but was the gentlest soul to me.