The woman approached slowly and suddenly knelt down, so their eyes were at the same level.

In her gaze there was no pity, only warm, alive attention. One that makes you feel both awkward and uneasy at the same time.

— May I just look at you? — she asked softly.

Hari nodded, pressing his lips together. He was already bracing for the usual: a few questions, polite words, and another refusal. But the woman remained silent. She just looked. As if trying to memorize every detail of his face.

— I’ve been looking for you — she finally said.

The words came so unexpectedly that he almost flinched.

— Not the most convenient. Not the most beautiful. But the one who was most tired of feeling unwanted.

The hallway became unusually quiet. The caregivers froze, the director slowly covered her mouth with her hand. Hari didn’t understand what was happening, but he felt that something very important was being decided.

— You know — she said softly — I have a scar on my heart. Maybe we should join forces as a team?

The woman cautiously extended her hand to him.

— Come with me. If you want.

He looked at her hand and, for the first time in his life, did not take a step back.