Maria visits a small mountain town. One day, she falls near the clinic. Dr. Chen helps her. Maria is sick from the high mountain air. She goes through many tests. The doctors understand her problem. She stays at the clinic for three days.
Maria meets Yuki, the receptionist. Yuki looks sad and worried. Maria learns something bad. The clinic has a new manager. This manager wants to run the show. He cuts costs and changes everything. Yuki thinks things will get out of hand. The staff is scared. They cannot speak their minds because they fear losing jobs.
On Maria's last day, she talks to Yuki. "Tell Mr. Hassan how you feel," Maria says. "He should know the truth." Yuki shakes her head. "I cannot do that. I am just the receptionist."
Maria smiles. "I look forward to hearing good news from you." She continues, "Your voice is important. Do not back down from what is right."
That evening, Yuki asks Mr. Hassan for a meeting. She speaks her mind about the new manager. She tells him how the changes hurt the clinic. Mr. Hassan listens carefully. He cares about his clinic very much.
Two weeks later, Yuki sends Maria an email. The manager is gone. The clinic is better now. Maria smiles. Sometimes a small word from a stranger gives people courage.