Helen Wilson

Helen Wilson is a generous, forgetful retired teacher who once taught alongside Whit. Living at an Odyssey retirement home, she mistakes Jay Smouse for her grandson Humphrey and gives him twenty dollars for a missed birthday. Jay and Vance exploit her confusion with invented birthdays and requests for bus fare. She continues treating them warmly. Helen also shares memories of her late husband and a lost music box that played "Clair de Lune." Her trusting kindness awakens Jay's conscience, and he spends his remaining money to replace the treasured box. Even after the boys' deception is exposed, Helen's gentle spirit inspires Jay to send a card for her bedside table without expecting recognition or reward.