Chapter 1 – The Man Who Kept His Promise
The rear door opened.
A man in a tailored charcoal suit stepped onto the sidewalk.
He looked to be in his early thirties.
Confident.
Calm.
Successful.
The chauffeur closed the limousine door behind him.
Every customer inside the diner turned to stare.
The chef wiped his hands on a towel, trying to remember where he had seen the stranger before.
The man smiled.
"Still making breakfast?"
The chef chuckled.
"Every morning."
The stranger walked inside.
The familiar smell of butter and coffee filled the room.
He stopped beside the counter.
"You probably don't remember me."
The chef studied his face.
The eyes.
Something about those eyes...
"I'm afraid I don't."
The man reached into his pocket.
He placed a worn silver coin on the counter.
The chef froze.
His fingers trembled.
"No..."
The stranger smiled.
"My name is Ethan."
The chef's eyes widened.
"The little boy..."
"The little boy who stole a piece of toast."
"You came back."
"I promised I would."
The diner fell completely silent.
Even the manager—now older, slower, and grayer—walked out from the office.
He stared at Ethan.
Recognition slowly replaced confusion.
"You..."
Ethan looked at him without anger.
"Yes."
May you like
The same boy.
Only life had changed.
