“Nourish me, and I shall restore your son,” the girl said, her tone soft yet resolute. Jonathan Pierce, a self-made millionaire recognised for his astute instincts and pragmatic demeanour, gazed at her and chuckled

. “What type of absurdity is that?” Are you a street performer soliciting money? The young girl remained unperturbed. She appeared to be no older than nine years, her dark eyes serene, almost excessively tranquil for her age. She positioned herself behind Jonathan’s table at the upmarket restaurant, adorned in a modest blue dress that appeared incongruous amidst the refined suits and sparkling jewellery of the other patrons. Dining reservations Ethan, Jonathan’s son, remained silent in his wheelchair, manipulating the edge of his blazer. Ethan, at the age of seven, had been paralysed from the waist down since birth. Jonathan had invested millions in specialists, experimental therapies, and overseas clinics—yet no one could guarantee a cure. “Father…” Ethan’s soft voice pierced the tension. “She stated that she is able to assist me.” Jonathan cast a fleeting look at him. “She is merely a child, Ethan.” She is unable to assist you. However, the girl remained stationary. “I am not soliciting funds.” I require sustenance. A single meal. Subsequently, you will observe. Jonathan exhaled audibly. This must have been a form of deception. Perhaps her parents were observing from a distance, poised to intervene. He surveyed his surroundings but observed no one exhibiting interest. Top dining establishments in my vicinity Nevertheless, the girl’s steadfast gaze disconcerted him. “Are you serious?” he enquired. She acknowledged with a single nod. Jonathan reclined. “Acceptable.” Procure any item of your preference. However, do not presume for an instant that I hold any belief in your words. Shortly thereafter, the waitress presented a little plate of spaghetti to the girl—unremarkable, yet she consumed it as though she had not eaten in days. Ethan observed her intently. “What is your name?” he enquired. “Lila,” she responded while chewing. Jonathan glanced at his watch with impatience. “Alright, Lila, you have consumed your meal.” What are the next steps? Gesture using your hands? “Utter some incantations?” She placed her fork on the table. “Escort him outdoors.” I require solitude. And confidence. Jonathan exhibited a sneer. “Confidence?” Are you requesting that I place my trust in an unfamiliar child I have just encountered in a restaurant? “Do you possess an alternative option?” She spoke softly, nearly inaudibly. Jonathan became immobile. That impacted him more profoundly than he anticipated. No physician, no treatment, nor any sum of money had instilled optimism in Ethan. Jonathan had no alternative—none, in fact. “Very well,” he murmured. “However, if anything were to occur to my son—” Culinary implements “It shall not,” Lila interjected. They exited the restaurant, the city lights illuminating the lowering sky. Lila guided them to a neighbouring park, where the grass was moist from a preceding rainfall. She knelt before Ethan’s wheelchair and delicately rested her hands on his knees. Jonathan folded his arms. “This is absurd.” “Silence,” Lila murmured. “Refrain from speaking.” Observe. Ethan appeared apprehensive yet did not withdraw. For the first time in his life, someone regarded him as if he were not delicate—merely a youngster. Subsequently, an unusual occurrence transpired. The air appeared to resonate gently, like to faraway music audible solely to Jonathan. The girl’s hands became warm, and Ethan inhaled sharply. “Father…” I experience… an emotion. Jonathan inclined his body forward. “What is your meaning?” “My legs are experiencing a tingling sensation.” Jonathan’s heart raced. He had already seen those statements from physicians conducting futile nerve examinations. However, on this occasion, Ethan’s countenance illuminated with authentic astonishment. “I can perceive them!” Ethan wept, tears cascading down his face. “Father, I can sense my legs!” Jonathan experienced a parched sensation in his mouth. This was not feasible. It was implausible. Lila rose gradually, seeming pallid yet composed. I informed you. A single meal. That is all I required. Jonathan gazed at her. “Who… what are you?” She failed to respond. Instead, she pivoted and commenced her departure. “Halt!” Jonathan shouted. “What method did you employ to achieve that?” What do you desire from me? She halted briefly to declare, “More than sustenance.” However, you are not prepared to comprehend at this moment. Top dining establishments in proximity With that, she vanished into the shadows, leaving Jonathan quaking and Ethan shivering with a renewed sense of hope. Jonathan scarcely slumbered that night. The image of Lila resting her hands on Ethan’s legs again replayed in his thoughts. He had invested years—and millions—endeavoring to provide Ethan with even the slightest opportunity for mobility. However, a singular enigmatic child, requesting only sustenance, accomplished in only minutes what the finest physicians of the world could not. By dawn, Ethan was able to move his toes. He felt exhilarated, again attempting as if he could scarcely comprehend it himself. “Father, I can perceive them,” he stated for the tenth occasion, chuckling amidst tears. “She was truthful!” Jonathan acquiesced still retained his tension. “We must locate her.” I must ascertain her identity, her actions, and whether it is secure. Top dining establishments in my vicinity He contacted the restaurant, interrogated the staff, and reviewed the security tape. Lila was not included on any reservation list. No one observed her entering in the company of another individual. She seemed to materialise from nowhere and thereafter dissipated in the same manner. That afternoon, Jonathan escorted Ethan to the park where they had previously encountered her. Time elapsed. There is no indication of her presence. As the sun set behind the metropolitan skyline, a voice emerged from behind them. “You have returned.” Jonathan pivoted. Lila remained stationary, clad in her blue dress, grasping a small paper bag containing what appeared to be stale bread. “I require answers,” Jonathan asserted decisively. “What is your identity?” What did you do to my son? Lila gazed at Ethan, then redirected her attention to Jonathan. “Do you now have faith in my assertions?” Jonathan faltered. “I am uncertain about what to believe.” Are you a form of healer? What is the location of your parents? She declined with a shake of her head. “Absence of parents.” “No longer.” Her tone elicited a momentary pause from Jonathan. She did not exhibit sadness—merely a pragmatic demeanour, as if she had reconciled herself to a burden excessively weighty for a child. “Please articulate your desires,” he enquired. “If you can fully heal my son, I will offer you anything—monetary compensation, a residence, security—” Lila interjected, her gaze becoming steely. “It is not a matter of finances.” It never existed. I requested sustenance as it is the primary means of comprehension for individuals initially. However, my requirements extend beyond that. Top dining establishments in proximity Jonathan scowled. “What is your meaning?” “I am running out of time,” she stated quietly. “Each instance of assisting another diminishes my strength unless I am… supported.” Individuals like myself can only thrive if others are prepared to safeguard us rather than exploit us. You ridiculed me yesterday, believing I was a fraud. All individuals do. However, if I cease my efforts, there are children who will remain unable to walk and parents who will not endure their ailments. Jonathan’s doubt fluctuated. He had constructed his kingdom by mastering every variable, and this girl had dismantled that illusion in just 24 hours. Ethan pulled at his sleeve. “Father, she assisted me.” We must assist her in returning. Jonathan released a breath. “What precisely do you require?” Lila paused and stated, “A location where I will not be harmed.” A location where I can dine and repose. In a secure location. In exchange, I may provide for others what I provided for your son. Cooking implements Jonathan scrutinised her attentively. “What if I decline?” Lila’s expression remained unchanged, however her tone diminished. “Eventually, Ethan will awaken to find the sensation in his legs absent.” What I offer may diminish until I complete what I initiated. A shiver coursed through him. “Are you implying that his advancement is contingent upon your survival and security?” “Affirmative,” she said succinctly. Jonathan understood that he was being drawn into a situation considerably more significant than his own existence. He has riches, contacts, and influence; nevertheless, he also had adversaries—individuals willing to do everything to capture someone like Lila. He rendered a decision. “Accompany us.” You will reside in my home until I determine how to ensure your safety. “However, if anyone attempts to harm my son, I vow—” “I do not intend to harm anyone,” Lila stated. “I am present to assist.” You must simply place your trust in me, even in perilous situations. “Hazardous?” Jonathan enquired. Prior to her response, a black SUV abruptly halted in proximity to the park. Two men in dark suits emerged, their gaze fixed on Lila. “There she is!” one exclaimed. Lila became immobile. “They located me…” Jonathan quickly positioned himself in front of her. “Who are they?” “They abduct children like me,” Lila said, frightened for the first time. “They exploit us until our demise.” The men advanced swiftly. Jonathan seized Ethan’s wheelchair and exclaimed, “Run, Lila!” She remained stationary. Rather, she positioned her hands on the ground. The air resonated once more, more intensely this time, causing the men to falter, grasping their heads as though besieged by an invisible power. “Proceed!” she shouted. Jonathan propelled Ethan’s wheelchair with maximum speed, while Lila raced alongside them. They continued till they arrived at the security of Jonathan’s awaiting vehicle. Upon the doors locking, Ethan gazed at Lila, his eyes wide with astonishment. “Will they inflict harm upon you once more?” “Not if your father fulfils his promise,” she stated, her respiration laboured yet consistent. “This merely marks the inception.” Jonathan gazed at her through the rearview mirror. “Disclose all information to me.” To effectively safeguard you, I must understand the challenges I face. Lila gazed directly into his eyes. “Then ready yourself, Mr. Pierce.” The reality you perceive is on the verge of irrevocable transformation.