But then…

With gentle movements, Luca placed something on the nightstand, next to her head. He glanced at her for a second more, then left just as quietly as he had entered.

Elena stayed motionless for minutes, unable to move. When she finally opened her eyes and sat up, she saw on the nightstand a small, old icon, carefully cleaned. And next to it — a folded piece of paper.

With trembling hands, she unfolded it. Written on the paper, in large, awkward letters, was:

“Thank you for letting me believe again that the world isn’t only cruel. I don’t want to scare you. I will leave in the morning. May God reward you for a warm evening and a soul saved.”

Tears were already streaming down his cheeks. He wasn’t a thief.He was just a lost child in his own life, who had found, for a moment, a shard of light.

In the morning, Luca was no longer there. In the room where he had slept, the bed was made, the plate washed, and in place of the pillow — a dried rose.

Elena remained in the doorway, holding the icon in her hands. And for the first time after many years of loneliness, she truly smiled.

That evening, she set two plates on the table. One remained untouched.

And so she did many nights in a row, holding onto a fragile hope that maybe, who knows, Luca would return someday.

Where could that boy be now?