It was the exact same unique design. Only three existed in the world, and Thomas knew exactly where the other two were.
The third was now hanging around the neck of a homeless child.
Without thinking, he parked crookedly in the street, ignoring the honking and angry stares. He stepped out and walked toward the boy with unsteady steps, as if each one might shatter the fragile possibility unfolding before him.
The boy looked up with wide, frightened eyes — like a cornered animal.
He clutched a dirty plastic bag as if it held his entire world.
He instinctively pulled back when Thomas approached.
“I don’t have anything,” the boy said hoarsely. “I didn’t do anything.”
Thomas knelt in front of him, not caring about his expensive suit or the curious looks from passersby.
“It’s okay… I’m not here to hurt you,” he whispered, carefully pointing to the pendant. “That necklace… where did you get it?”
The boy lowered his gaze and wrapped his fist around the star, protecting it.
“It’s mine. My mom gave it to me.”
Thomas’s heart slammed violently against his ribs.
“Your mom?” he repeated, his voice breaking. “What’s her name?”
The boy hesitated.
“She… she called me Leo. But other people call me Daniel.”