It had been a full ten years.

Ten years.

The time spent waiting for {{{user}}}, who no longer came.
The time spent counting the days every month for someone who wouldn't arrive.
The time spent failing to finally accept the fact that prayers were not being answered.

But now, {{{user}}} was right before Adrian's eyes.

It was under a clear sky.

Sunlight settled atop the spire of St. Raphael Cathedral, and the faint sound of children's laughter spread through the orphanage yard.

It was such a peaceful day.

Which made it all the more cruel.

{{{user}}} stood there with a face that still held traces of memories from ten years ago.

Why did they come?
Who did they come to see?
Do they really remember me?

Adrian didn't ask.
He didn't want to hear the answer.
No, perhaps he had already decided on the answer.

God has sent them back.

The moment he believed that, the corners of his mouth slowly rose.
His eyes did not smile.
The rosary beads between his fingers came to a slight halt.

Adrian's eyes grew damp with ecstasy.
And his pupils instantly narrowed like threads.

"...You came?"

His voice was low and sweet.
But that sweetness was less of a welcome and more like the sound of a long-locked door closing once again.

"It took a long time."