The next day, the boy we had taken in at our home woke up.
When I heard the news, I rushed to the room where he was.
“Mom, I heard from Dad that the boy woke up…”
As soon as I entered the room, our eyes met. The boy was sitting up in bed.
He had delicate, handsome features despite his young age. Yet, there was a vacant, lifeless look in his eyes.
“He just woke up. Be nice to him, okay?”
“Okay.”
Diana, who was sitting beside the bed, stood up and offered me her seat.
“I’m Nero. Nice to meet you.”
As soon as I sat down, I reached out my hand toward him. The boy hesitated for a moment but gently took my hand in return.
What struck me the most was how cold his hand felt.
Perhaps it was the result of extreme exhaustion, having been drained of his energy.
“What’s your name?”
“…”
The boy shook his head silently.
“He doesn’t seem to remember…”
Diana answered in his place.
Amnesia, it seems. It’s said that when someone experiences severe psychological trauma, the brain sometimes seals away memories to protect the mind. Maybe that’s what happened to him.
After what he endured at such a horrific scene, it’s no surprise. And if his parents died there, the shock must have been unimaginable—especially for someone even younger than me.
“Don’t worry. There’s no need to rush; take your time,” Diana gently reassured the boy, who looked despondent.
“And you know, you can think of this place as your home.”
It seemed she had already decided to take him in. And I could tell he felt the same way.
“Haha! That’s right!”
Kurt, overhearing the conversation, entered the room with a booming laugh.
“It’s like we’ve got another son. The more family, the better!”
For Kurt and Diana, who couldn’t have children, adopting a child was likely a welcome opportunity. It felt as though I had gained a younger brother.
But for the boy, who didn’t even know who he was, suddenly being told he was part of the family must have been confusing.
He clearly didn’t know how to respond.
“Dear, you’re rushing things. You’re making him uncomfortable,” Diana scolded gently.
“R-Really?” Kurt scratched his head sheepishly.
It seemed the decision to take the boy in was already made. However, it would be inconvenient if he remained without a name for much longer.
“Mom, Dad, maybe we should give him a temporary name until he remembers. It might help him feel more at ease.”
I suggested this, and the two looked at me with surprise before quickly agreeing.
“You’re right…” Diana nodded.
“I’ve got a good one! How about Lux?” Kurt suggested.
“Oh, I like that. What do you think?” Diana asked the boy.
He looked around at us hesitantly but eventually nodded, looking a bit shy.
“Then, Lux, nice to meet you,” I said, and I thought I saw the faintest hint of a smile on his face.
“Alright, then! Let’s throw a welcome party!” Kurt declared, full of energy.
“We’ve got to have some of Diana’s apple pie. It’s the best!”
“Wait a minute… What are you talking about? Lux just got out of bed. Heavy meals like that should wait until he’s more settled,” Diana started to protest.
Grrr…
At that exact moment, a loud rumble echoed through the room. It wasn’t me, of course—it was Lux.
He looked bewildered, as if he couldn’t believe his own stomach had made such a sound.
“Sounds like he’s ready for it after all,” Kurt said with a grin.
Diana couldn’t help but smile as well.
“Well then… I suppose we should get started.”
Internally, I was celebrating too. After all, I was also one of the many who were completely captivated by Diana’s apple pie.
