Leo sat stiffly at the lavish table, overwhelmed by crystal glasses and gold accents, yet his gaze kept drifting to the grand piano in the center of the room.
Benjamin ordered a variety of dishes so the boy could taste everything. Watching Leo, he felt an inexplicable pull—something protective and deeply personal.
When Benjamin asked about the piano, Leo explained he once played at an orphanage. Vanessa mocked him, questioning how a street child could know music. Leo calmly answered that music had always been part of him.
Benjamin gently asked how he ended up alone. Leo revealed he had been adopted by an abusive man and eventually ran away, choosing the streets over violence. Benjamin listened in heavy silence.
Vanessa, irritated, suggested Leo should perform if he loved the piano so much. The intention was humiliation. Leo hesitated, but Benjamin assured him he was the guest of honor.
The room quieted as Leo approached the piano. The professional pianist stepped aside. Leo’s small, worn fingers hovered above the keys.
Then he began to play.