The words were said with quiet pride, but they only made Lucas feel worse.
At that moment, Lucas’s mother approached them. She had been watching from a distance and had heard part of their conversation.
Her eyes were already wet with tears.
“Noah,” she said softly, “you should have told us. You’ve always been like family to us.”
That evening, Noah was invited to eat dinner with them.
For the first time in a long time, he ate until he was completely full.
He laughed a little too—something Lucas hadn’t seen since arriving.
But that night was only the beginning.
The next day, Lucas and his mother visited Noah’s house.
When Lucas saw it, he was stunned.
The small wooden home looked as if it might collapse at any moment. Parts of the roof were broken, and there were holes in the walls. Inside, an old fan sat in the corner, barely working when electricity was available.
Noah’s mother greeted them nervously.
“I’m sorry you have to see our home like this,” she said with embarrassment. “We’re simple people…”
Lucas quickly interrupted her.
“Auntie, please don’t say that,” he replied kindly. “I’m not here to judge anyone. I’m here because Noah is my friend.”