Putting his glasses on and bringing the picture closer, almost touching his nose, there was a dramatic change on the priest's face and his mouth opened wide. He took all three pictures and put them side by side. "Why, Anna in this picture is wearing your son's cross."
"Yes she is. Anna gave me this picture just before she became a nun. She told me that she and Nikolas exchanged crosses when they were out at sea on a raft in 1941." Penelope cleared her throat. "And I hope if Anna is alive mine will keep her safe, too."
Theodoros rose from his chair and started pacing the long room. He no longer looked like a hapless soul. He walked erect as an officer. He opened the window. It was the beginning of a new day. He placed his hand on the cross hanging around his neck and gently caressed it. "My Anna ... my Agape," he whispered.
Everybody looked at Theodoros, who had turned around. They demanded an answer. The priest was the first to ask. "Who gave you this, Theodoros?" pointing at the cross.
"Anna did" came the reply. "How do you know Anna?"
"I don't remember."
"You didn't take it from Nikolas's body, did you?"
"No, no, of course not."
"Explain yourself then. How did you get it?"
"I told you how." Almost in tears, Theodoros placed his hands on his forehead. "My head hurts, I don't feel well." He became agitated and started pacing rapidly back and forth across the long room.
Penelope was listening the whole time, moving things in and out of her large bag. Determined to find a solution to the puzzle, the priest resumed the conversation:
"But I don't understand. If Nikolas gave Anna his cross, and Anna gave him hers, how can Theodoros have an identical one? Really, I don't understand!" He looked at everybody.
Theodoros suddenly came forward. "I am not Theodoros."
"Who are you then?" asked the priest anxiously.
Penelope rose, changing her cane from the right hand to the left, raised her arm and said, "One and the same! Nikolas Theophilos! My son!" They embraced again. Neither Penelope nor Nikolas shed more tears this time.
"This calls for a celebration," the taxi driver said.
"Yes it does!" exclaimed the priest finally understanding and raising his hand to bless Nikolas and Penelope. "It is time to celebrate liturgy," he added. "Please join me."
"Of course," agreed Penelope.
"Welcome back to the living," Father Agathangelos said, taking Nikolas's hand and shaking it with strength.
Nikolas responded warmly with a smile and said, "Thank you … " "Nikolas." He said slowly, "my name is Nikolas … not Theodoros."