Elias turned his head; Alex was looking at him expectantly, hands clasped before his chest, eyes filled with nervousness.
The angel knew Alex was waiting for his answer, his approving answer so the boy could feel reassured that Elias also liked this place.
Elias squatted down, bringing his eye level with Alex's.
"Alex, this room is excellent, better than any place we have ever stayed in." He praised sincerely, then shifted the conversation: "But it has a balcony, a balcony facing the street, where many people pass by."
"Um, I think this balcony is wonderful; we can plant flowers." Alex had discovered this point as soon as he viewed the house; he liked this balcony very much, imagining himself sitting there reading books.
He had even thought about planting a few pots of red geraniums or some cool green vines to let them drape down the wrought iron railing.
Elias spoke again, his tone patient:
