A Boy's Plea for Food Reveals a Shocking Secret
The shattered heart of the boy trembled as he stood before the closed door. Following him, people learned a horrifying truth.
Manuel, an eight-year-old boy with a hoarse but articulate voice, always displayed remarkable manners. His demeanor and education garnered admiration from all the villagers. He became a genuine treasure for the community, as if he were everyone's own child.
As winter drew to a close, Manuel, for the first time, asked for alms. Going from house to house, he explained that his mother was seriously ill and unable to work, so he needed money for medicine and food. His story evoked genuine concern and compassion, and every villager invited him into their homes, offering food and a little money. Now he had a large, new family – people who cared and empathized. But all this time, no one knew where this mysterious boy with his mother lived. There was only a suspicion that they might reside in one of the nearby houses or somewhere on the way to the village.
When asked about his mother, he always responded the same – pointing towards the southern forest, where thick vegetation began. The villagers accepted his answers and sympathized with him sincerely, delighted at the opportunity to help such a dear child.