1. Meeting Louis
"Max, wait!"
Emma Brown, a 3-year-old girl living in London, was invited to the summer house of her parents' friends, the Campbells, and was visiting the Styria region in southern Austria.
While Emma’s parents, Thomas and Emily, were enjoying tea time with the Campbells on the balcony of the summer house, Emma was playing in the garden with Max, the Campbell's Border Collie.
Although it was called a garden, this was a very nature-filled area with a large lake right in front of the house, surrounded by grasslands. Behind the house, there was a breathtaking view of the mountains. There were even cows roaming free from the neighboring farm.
Max could run around freely without a leash here, and it seemed that Emma and he were having a great time together.
After a while, Max stopped and perked up his ears, staring into the distance before suddenly running off.
"Where are you going? Wait up!"
Max, being a very intelligent dog, would usually stay close to his owner. Thinking it might be part of their game of chase, Emma hurriedly ran after him.
She passed a few houses scattered across the grasslands, heading into the mountains. Finally, Max stopped.
"Max...! We have to play near the house..."
As Emma was panting and calling out to Max, a boy slightly taller than her was standing in front of her.
"What are you doing? Are you alone?"
"..."
Even after Emma spoke, the boy stood there motionless. Upon closer inspection, his clothes were dirty. Emma spoke to him again, but there was no response.
"I have a friend’s house over there. Let's go together."
Taking the boy’s hand, Emma decided to lead him back to the summer house with Max.
When they returned to the summer house, Emma’s parents and the Campbells hurriedly ran towards them, looking worried.
"Emma! We’re so glad you're safe..."
Emily, almost in tears, checked to make sure Emma was unharmed, then hugged her tightly.
Thomas gave the boy a curious look.
"Emma, who is this boy?"
"I don’t know. He’s probably lost."
"He’s pretty dirty. Campbell, would you mind taking him to a guest room for now?"
"Of course, make yourself at home."
Emma's parents led the boy to the guest room, offering him drinks and a set of Emma’s clothes that were a little bigger.
"Would you like to change? You can take a shower if you want. If you need anything, just let me know."
"...Thank you."
When Thomas spoke kindly, the boy finally spoke.
"What’s your name?"
"...Louis."
"Louis, huh? That’s a nice name. Where are your parents?"
"...They’re not here. I’m alone."
"I see. Alright, then. Let’s rest here for today."
"...Thank you."
What could have happened to the boy named Louis? Since he didn’t seem willing to talk much, Thomas decided not to press him any further.
Emma quietly watched Louis from a distance. Little did she know, meeting him would dramatically change her life.
