06-11-2015, 03:40 PM
The man in front of him smiled and Lucas felt lost for a moment. It was a kindly smile, friendly and concerned. It reminded him of Valentin, that first day he'd found him. Instead of being angry or scared, compassion and pity emanated from him. And despite all his mistrust and suspicion, that human kindness that was just Valentin was like a balm to his soul. It was as if he had been starving to death his whole life, to the point that he didn't even realize that he was malnourished and abnormal, and then suddenly he was given real food.
It was as if he had come to life after being nearly dead. Acceptance and determination grew in him, flourishing outwardly until he felt fully alive again. And at the core of it was his appreciation and love for Valentin...
And now, in this old man in front of him, in him he saw the same fire, the same love and concern. In some way, it was Valentin there in front of him. And Lucas longed to express to him how much he had meant, how he had saved him, had given his life meaning and a purpose.
A purpose that he hungered to give to others, the knowledge that they were lovable and were loved. They were valued. Aria's face flashed to mind and he could see the pain she lived with that he longed to help her carry. He could see the glimmers of joy and acceptance and peace that became more and more frequent. She was in front of him now, looking at him. Only it wasn't her. The man, something about the man....it reminded him of her.
Her father. This was her father. He knew that. Why had he forgotten it? She had misunderstood. It was all a big mistake. "Let's call her again. She just doesn't understand."
It was as if he had come to life after being nearly dead. Acceptance and determination grew in him, flourishing outwardly until he felt fully alive again. And at the core of it was his appreciation and love for Valentin...
And now, in this old man in front of him, in him he saw the same fire, the same love and concern. In some way, it was Valentin there in front of him. And Lucas longed to express to him how much he had meant, how he had saved him, had given his life meaning and a purpose.
A purpose that he hungered to give to others, the knowledge that they were lovable and were loved. They were valued. Aria's face flashed to mind and he could see the pain she lived with that he longed to help her carry. He could see the glimmers of joy and acceptance and peace that became more and more frequent. She was in front of him now, looking at him. Only it wasn't her. The man, something about the man....it reminded him of her.
Her father. This was her father. He knew that. Why had he forgotten it? She had misunderstood. It was all a big mistake. "Let's call her again. She just doesn't understand."