"On his way home after trying to collect the money he is owed, Simon the shoemaker finds a man who says God is punishing him, naked and freezing behind a shrine along the road. His wife is furious when he brings back another mouth to feed, instead of the money, but Simon insists on showing the stranger pity, and Michael tells them God will reward them. Staying on as Simon's apprentice, he learns to be a fine shoemaker, but Speaks rarely and smiles only three times, becoming brighter each time, as if a light shines from within him."--Container.