One breezy afternoon, an old green ball sailed over the tall hedges and bounced along the garden path. A boy hurried after it. He climbed a wicker fence with surprising ease and landed in a pile of leaves just beyond the gate. He brushed off his sleeves and searched for the ball with frantic eyes.

Elara noticed him from her window. She did not scream. She lifted her hand in a small wave.

The boy startled. His head jerked up. When he saw her, he hesitated. She smiled at him, timid but sincere. His shoulders relaxed and he gave her a shy nod. He picked up the ball and walked closer.