A Return to the City
Months passed, and the boy, now a young man, decided to explore the city once more. During his walk, he arrived at the home of his former companions. They did not recognize him; his appearance had changed completely. He now wore glasses and a cap, giving him an unfamiliar look.
As the hunters played basketball, the ball rolled toward him. He had never seen such a game before. Curious, he picked it up, staring at it carefully. When they asked him to throw it back, he tossed it slowly and awkwardly.
They invited him to join. In a soft, hesitant voice, he replied, “I don’t know how to play.” Patiently, they explained the rules and guided him through the basics. Before long, he began to understand and even participate in the match. Afterward, he bid them farewell and walked away. One of the hunters suddenly felt a strange familiarity, remembering the boy who had once disappeared. They rushed back to the court to search for him, but he was gone.
A Secret Kept
The hunters scoured the streets but could not find him. Eventually, they learned the boy had only come to check on them. To protect him, they decided to keep his presence a secret, fearing the media or the police might reopen his file. Officially, his case had been closed after other victims were discovered but never recovered.
A New Life
In the meantime, the boy worked as a guard in the home of a wealthy businessman. Impressed by his bravery and strength, the man and his wife welcomed him into their household. Without revealing his past, he became like family to them. They sent him to a private school, giving him an opportunity he had never dreamed of.
Over time, the businessman adopted him as his son, since he and his wife had no children. With their support, the boy — now a young man — mastered the language and excelled in his studies, achieving top marks at university. He embraced the world outside, enjoying luxuries he had once considered impossible: a car, fine clothes, and a comfortable home.
Still, he did not abandon his old passion for hunting. With ambition in his heart, he decided to start his own project dedicated to the sport.
The Return of Old Faces
The young man sought his father’s help in finding the right place for his venture. As he prepared to welcome guests, he noticed a car stopping outside. Three people stepped out. To his surprise, they were his old friends.
He greeted them warmly. Among them was a young woman whose sharp eyes studied him carefully. Something in his manner — the way he moved, the tone of his speech — stirred her memory. Doubt crept into her heart.
During the gathering, the young man guided his father’s friends through the project, careful not to reveal too much about himself. Everyone celebrated the success of the new venture. But the woman could not ignore her instincts. In a quiet moment, she whispered to him, “You are the boy who once played basketball with us.”
He froze, then admitted softly, “Yes. I am your brother and your friend in this work.”
Balancing Two Worlds
He pleaded with her not to endanger his new family. “If they learn the truth,” he explained, “their reputation could suffer.” She laughed and reassured him: “We are all brothers in this work. What matters is the success of the project.”
Though her words were light, the young man remained uneasy. He feared the delicate balance of his new life might be shattered. Still, his adoptive father beamed with pride, overjoyed at his son’s achievement.
In time, the boy who once wandered in silence became a man respected for his resilience and transformation. Between the shadows of his past and the light of his present, he stood as a symbol of determination and change, building a future he had once thought impossible.
by Youssef El Hob