At that moment, his assistant returned with a warm paper bag. The smell of sweet rolls filled the air.
Adrian was ready to get into the car and end the ridiculous scene. But Lucas suddenly squirmed in his arms, crying silently, reaching desperately toward the girl.
“Lucas, stop,” Adrian ordered.
But the boy wouldn’t calm down. Tears filled his eyes as he pointed at her again and again.
Adrian hesitated.
What do you have to lose? It’s just bread.
With irritation, he grabbed the bag and tossed it at the girl’s feet. “There. Take it.”
She bent down, picked it up carefully, and pulled out a warm roll. Adrian expected her to devour it instantly.
Instead, she broke it in half.
She ate one piece slowly. Then she stepped closer and held the other half toward Lucas.
“Don’t,” Adrian warned. “His hands—”
“It’s bread,” she said. “Bread is meant to be shared. If it isn’t shared, it doesn’t feed anyone.”
Lucas leaned forward and took it. He bit into the soft roll. Chewed. Swallowed.
The world seemed to pause.
The girl placed her hand gently over Lucas’s chest. “You’re not afraid,” she whispered. “Tell him.”
Adrian opened his mouth to protest.
Then he heard it.
At first, a rough sound. Then clearer.
“Da… ddy.”