Before Daniel could respond, more people began approaching, some holding car keys, others simply wanting to shake his hand. An older man in a flannel jacket stepped forward first.
"My truck's been making a strange noise for weeks," he said. "I heard about what you did for that girl last night, and I figured if you're the kind of man who fixes cars for free when someone's in trouble, you're the kind of man I want working on my truck."
Daniel opened his mouth to explain that this had all been a misunderstanding, that he wasn't some kind of celebrity mechanic, just a regular guy trying to run a small shop and raise his daughter. But before he could get the words out, another voice called from behind the small crowd.
"Daniel, is that really you?"
He turned to see Karen Hanson walking toward him, still dressed for her hospital shift, looking both apologetic and amazed at the same time. Grace trailed behind her, holding her phone tightly. Her cheeks flushed with a mixture of excitement and embarrassment.
"Karen?" Daniel asked, recognizing the name from the post. "You're Grace's mom?"
"I am," Karen said, stopping in front of him. "I am so sorry about all of this. I didn't think anyone would even see my post, let alone this many people. I just wanted to say thank you somehow, and this seemed like the only way I knew how."
Daniel let out a breath, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. At least now he understood where all of this had come from. "It's okay, really. I appreciate the kind words, but I didn't do anything that special. Any decent person would have helped."
"That's the thing," Karen said, shaking her head. "Not everyone would have. I see people every day at the hospital who walk past others in need without a second glance. What you did, choosing to help a stranger, expecting nothing in return, that kind of thing is rare. People needed to hear about it, especially right now."
Nadia, still standing nearby with her cameraman, gently interrupted. "Would you be willing to say a few words for the camera, Mr. Carter? Just briefly. I think people would love to hear it directly from you."
Daniel hesitated, glancing at the small crowd still watching him, at Grace standing quietly beside her mother, at the cars lined up along the street. He had never wanted attention, had built his entire life around simplicity and routine ever since losing his wife. But something about the earnestness in Nadia's voice and the hopeful look on Grace's face made him nod slowly.