They removed the bandages around his mouth. The healing was remarkable. Nikolas licked his lips and carefully moved his jaw. The Elder Agatha gently touched his lips with her fingertips with uncontrolled emotion, repeating, "Thank God and have mercy on me, a sinner." When she touched his lips with a spoon, he opened his mouth. She gave him honey mixed with yogurt. He appreciated the first taste of food.
Two days later, near dawn, Elder Agatha paid another visit and held his hand. "I can't sleep. Can you hear me?" There was the usual affirmative response of his firm grip. "Do you want me to continue the story?"
He squeezed again yes. Once again, his body was twitching and trembling.
"Anna had prayed for Nikolas for ten years. Ten long years, never giving up hope. She kept the eternal light lit in her heart. She never wanted to believe that if he were alive, he could have forgotten about her. She knew his love for her was real! She felt it deeply. She was so sure of it."
Another strong grip. Then a sound! The nun was astounded. He could only utter, "Oh ... mmm." After a pause, she continued her story. "Her baby was taken before she could see him. Even if he was dead, as the doctor told her, she wanted to touch him, to hold him even once, and to give him a decent burial. Her little angel gone without a trace." Tears fell on his hand. There was a murmur. She went on, "Dr.
Tsipras, the evil face of my fate."
There was a stronger grip and a hoarse rasping sound again. "The boy ... the boy ...
lives. Nikolas ... Nikolas lives."
"What did you say? Did you say he lives? The boy is alive? Is that what you said? Nikolas lives, too?! Oh God, oh Ever Holy One!"
The nun crossed herself repeatedly.
He continued, saying, "He did love Anna with all his heart."
"She knew that. But how do you? And why did you say 'did'? You say Nikolas is alive?
How do you know that? Did he tell you this? Did you know him? Doesn't he love her anymore?"
"He does, but you said ... she died."
"Not exactly. I said she left this world." She paused. "That was just a figure of speech. When she entered the monastery, she was given a new name. She chose to bury her past and die with it."