And Gregory was never sure exactly what happened next, or who spoke first, he or the custodian. He only knew that once again, the sun nearly blinded him. Colors of all kinds kaleidoscoped through his inner vision; yet at the same time, there was a whiter-than-white pattern as well…. Through all of this, he glimpsed—or thought he glimpsed—the custodian’s face, close up, with the most compassionate smile imaginable.

The custodian spoke, and Gregory felt the words, but couldn’t understand them with his ears. In the next moment a tingling warmth spread through his face, gums, jaws, and eyes. The warmth was somehow almost dizzying, and he felt—he felt his teeth tighten in his head.

There was the warmest pressure as each root dug itself in deeper; and tiny hot snaps as the gums tightened around them. Gregory was caught up in so many emotions that he could hardly identify them. His tongue slid across his gums—no gumboils! And the tip of his tongue didn’t hurt. He opened his eyes. Then he saw that the light wasn’t nearly as bright as it had seemed only a moment before, because he had, after all, pulled the shades. Then where had that light come from? “The … the … light,” he muttered.

“Not as bright as it was a minute ago. The sun just dimmed some,” said the custodian, looking more or less, Gregory thought, like any man in his forties; no halo, for Christ’s sake, no … power such as he’d just sensed.

“Feel better? Gums okay, huh?” the custodian asked. And when Gregory heard his voice this time, there was no doubt in his mind that somehow or other this man had completely healed his gums. “How … did you do that?” he stuttered. “I don’t know what to say. Nobody ever does anything decent for me, much less….”

“Now and then I can work miracles,” the custodian said. “I don’t mean to brag, though, it’s just my way. Now I have to finish my chores. Don’t tell anyone, though. Miracles always cause trouble for me.” He picked up his broom and began vigorously sweeping the floor.

“But … but you shouldn’t be here doing that,” Gregory shouted. “You healed my gums! You could make a million dollars. You could … My God, how did you do that? I feel fantastic all over….”

“Do what?” the custodian asked, blinking now as if the sun suddenly hurt his eyes. “Aspirin and coffee can be got two doors down.”

“Hell, who needs aspirin?” Gregory shouted happily. “I never felt better in my life. You healed me, or something.” Again he said, “But how did you do that?” He couldn’t hide the awe in his voice.