Day after day, Nikolas continued to recuperate, thanks to the constant attention of his mother and sister. His two teenage nephews visited every day and talked with him. He looked at old and new photographs to help restore his memories. He walked around the neighborhood and became reacquainted with the storeowners. Sometimes he would go to the harbor and watch the ships coming and going.
Every day, his memory became better and sharper. His sense of smell, which he had never lost, became even stronger. His mother's cooking brought back happy memories of earlier years. Nikolas went to church on a regular basis.
"I must find Anna," he told his mother.
"I hoped you would, son. I hoped you would," said Penelope with a deep sigh.
"I will try to locate her father. I am sure he will remember me."
"Good luck, son. I think it is a good idea."
Nikolas started by writing to Stavros Bouras, but his letters were returned or were never answered. The same thing happened with his telegrams. He went to the Bouras shipping headquarters at the Port of Piraeus.
The new six-story building facing him was impressive with its modern glass façade.
"I would like to see Mr. Stavros Bouras," he told the receptionist.
"Who, may I ask, wants him?"
"Captain Nikolas Theophilos."
"Take a seat, Captain. I will call you."
When thirty minutes had passed and she had not called him yet, Nikolas went back to the desk.
"Oh, I am so sorry, sir. Mr. Bouras is out of the office. We don't know when he will be back."
"Can I leave him a message?"
"Yes, you can."
For the last six months, Nikolas had repeated this performance many times, but every time he was disappointed. Nonetheless, he vowed not to give up. He went to the Archbishop of Athens.
"Leave your name and the purpose of your visit and we will notify you."
More disappointment and heartbreak. Nikolas went to a large women's monastery outside of Athens. Again, more doors were closed in his face, but a young novice saw the anguish on his face and the tremendous love in his eyes. She took him to the side and told him that the woman he was looking for was a nun on a small, rocky island, a very remote island. She had heard about her, how she gave up all the wealth she had to devote her life to Christ. "But why did she leave you?" she asked, lowering her eyes.
"She did not. She was told I was dead."
"I will pray for both of you."
"Thank you," said Nikolas humbly.