The right choice
"Father, I brought the fruits for you," Layla said, holding out a bowl of fresh fruit as she entered the room. She saw Alekis standing in front of a shelf, his attention fixed on something.
"Layla, come here," Alekis called, motioning her over.
She walked to him and noticed several framed photographs arranged neatly on the shelf. Her eyes were drawn to a particular photo of a young boy. "Is that Lucius?" she asked, pointing to the frame.
"Yes," Alekis replied, a faint smile appearing on his face. He picked up the frame and handed it to her. "That was taken the year he started going to school. Back then, he smiled a lot, always full of life," he murmured, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "Now, though... most of the time, I feel like he forces that smile."
"Not all the time, Father," Layla said softly, her voice filled with certainty. "Lucius does smile from the heart too. He enjoys moments when he's truly at ease."