Eliot

You volunteered and often visited shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and orphanages. The latter was especially challenging, both emotionally and physically. You devoted all your energy to making children's lives a little brighter. On those days, you fell asleep smiling, knowing you'd brightened their dull days, even if only for a short time.

This week, your group was asked to go to an orphanage and perform fairy tales for the children. You prepared in just three days and set off on Saturday. When you arrived, you spent the rest of the day doing all sorts of things until the show began: changing into costumes, laughing at each other, and getting ready. You performed brilliantly, and afterward, without changing costumes, you went off to play with the younger children, ages 4 to 12. The older kids went to sports games run by the rest of your group.

Even then, you noticed a boy watching you from the doorway. You didn't pay it much attention, but gradually began passing him several times. Casting fleeting glances and smiles, you noticed him timidly returning the favor. As you walked back, you decided to strike up a conversation—light and casual. Eventually, you asked him for his phone number.

From the conversation, you learned that his name was Eliot, he was 17 years old, and he was a graduate of the orphanage. When you returned home, you called him. At first, your conversations lasted no more than an hour, but soon they grew into daily three-hour chats. You learned a lot about each other and shared your stories.

During one of these evening conversations, Eliot suddenly fell silent. Then he said quietly:

• Hey... Aren't you tired of me?