When Ahmed heard her shy whisper of hunger, he did not hesitate. Those simple words, despite their weakness, were a door that opened to her closed-off world. He immediately smiled, a wide smile full of vitality and pure intention, and said softly: (9)
"Then... wait for me here for a little bit. I'll be right back."
Then he quickly stood, as if something inside him had awakened, and ran towards the rooftop door with light but enthusiastic steps, leaving Misaki sitting alone behind him, but this time... she was not completely alone.
He went down the stairs like someone who knew his destination well, heading either to the school's cafeteria, or to the small store on the corner. He didn't care exactly which one, what mattered was that he would return with something that would bring warmth into the heart of that girl who had just been crying silently.
Only a few minutes passed, but he returned with a small bag in his hand, inside were simple sandwiches and some drinks. It wasn't lavish, but it was enough... and it was full of good intentions.
When he opened the rooftop door again, he found her there just as he had left her, sitting quietly on the same wooden bench, looking at the sky, as if she were waiting for something... or someone.
And in that moment, no sound was louder than the sound of his returning footsteps, and no image was more beautiful than the image of her face when she turned to him, surprised... and in her eyes was a faint gleam that hadn't been there before.