"I am sorry, ma'am. This has never happened before. Let's be on our way, Theodoros," the priest interjected.
"He is not bothering me, Father. He is no problem at all," Penelope said, taking Theodoros' hand. "Can he help me walk?"
"Of course, ma'am. How strange, he has never gotten this close to anyone before."
"Who is he, Father?"
"I'm not sure. The British brought him here after the war ended. But that was a long time ago. I never found out his real name, so I gave him the name Theodoros."
"What is your name, Father?" Penelope asked, respectfully taking his hand.
"I am Father Agathangelos," he said politely.
"I'd like to go to the sanctuary first. May I take Theodoros with me, Father?" asked Penelope.
"Of course you may," the priest replied.
Turning to the driver, Penelope said, "This man will help me. You can go back to the bus."
"Let's go, Theodoros, you can come with me," Penelope said, taking hold of his arm as they walked toward the underground sanctuary, the same spot where Joseph and Mary had taken baby Jesus to hide him from King Herod's massacre of all infant boys.
Penelope walked erect and energetically, turning and looking at Theodoros every few seconds, constantly smiling. "I like you, Theodoros." He smiled back and walked close to her. The priest followed behind them, lost in thought. They walked together to the subterranean place of refuge. Penelope saw Eleni there, with the others from the tour, and summoned her to come over.
"I want to introduce you to someone, come." Eleni came quickly. "Oh, yes, Eleni, my daughter. This is Father Agathangelos." The priest smiled and bowed his head. Eleni took his hand and kissed it. "And this is ... This is
Theodoros."
Taking Theodoros' hand is hers, Eleni looked him in the eyes in awe. Her mouth was half-open, unable to speak. "There is something so …," she murmured. "His eyes …!" Recovering, she said, "Hello Theodoros. My name is Eleni."
He in turn, gave her a disarming smile.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't want to wake you up. I am so glad you made it!" Eleni put her arms around her mother and hugged her tightly. With tears of joy, she said softly, "Oh Mom, it's so nice to see you happy." Theodoros looked on, his eyes full of tears, too. Penelope saw his reaction and let go of her daughter to put her arm around Theodoros.
"Mom," whispered Theodoros, placing his cheek on Penelope's bosom.
"Mom," he repeated.
"But I am not your mama, Theodoros." "Mom," he said again.
"Well, thank you, Theodoros! I did have a son once though ... But for all I know he is … " This time Theodoros put his arms around Penelope and said nothing except to breathe in her perfume.