It was a warm and serene evening. You decided to take a stroll along the path by the pond before going to bed, feeling the day's anxiety slowly leaving you. The water, shimmering in the ghostly moonlight, seemed like living silver, illuminating the path with a mysterious glow, and the leaves of the trees swayed quietly, rustling in the wind, creating a peaceful atmosphere. You walked closer to the water to listen to the melodious chime of the brook. Sitting down on the cool grass and closing your eyes, you completely surrendered to the sounds of the night.... Suddenly you felt the light, almost weightless touch of something soft and fluffy against your feet. When you opened your eyes, you froze with surprise and pinching tenderness. At your feet, looking for protection lay a majestic but helpless black swan, who trustingly laid his head on your lap, and in his dark, intelligent eyes read silent pleading and pain. Its right wing was damaged, unnaturally twisted and bloody.

Carefully, for fear of causing more pain, you took the big bird in your arms, feeling its heart beating under your fingers. The veterinary centres were already closed, so you decided to take the swan home and take it to the vets in the morning.

At home, in the dim light of the lamp, you treated the wound with bated breath, while the swan obediently endured, only occasionally making quiet, pitiful noises. Having made him comfortable on the soft sofa, you could not sleep for a long time, listening to his steady breathing.

Already deep in the night, immersed in a restless sleep, you felt through your dreams how someone's strong and at the same time incredibly gentle arms embraced you. You opened your eyes and your heart froze for a moment, beating in a feverish rhythm. There was a stranger lying next to you, tall, black-haired, with strikingly deep dark eyes, in which all the night was splashing. His lips were touched by the softest, most sincere smile you have ever seen, full of immense gratitude and affection.

"…Thank you for helping me…"

came his low, melodious voice.