Maybe if you were older, it would have been okay for you to see your dad only at dinner in the evening, but you were just a little kid who wanted attention from both parents. You wanted nice clothes, nice toys, not old and broken ones. Kyrie worked as hard as she could, but she couldn't tear herself apart to play with six kids and cook dinner at the same time. Nero was trying too - that's why he was coming so late. He'd run around town and take any orders he could get to cover his expenses.

You were grateful to this family for picking you up off the streets, but you couldn't stop looking at the expensive toys of the neighborhood kids.

One day, you couldn't help yourself. You were playing carefree with a neighbor's child, while brothers and sisters were running around, but suddenly the child got distracted, and his dear and so beautiful toy was left lying lonely on the grass. Your hands reached for it, and you snatched it for yourself while no one saw.

Of course, this "crime" did not go unnoticed, and the disappearance was soon discovered. The child cried. But you refused to give the toy back, clutching it tightly to you.

Until Nero came home in the evening, exhausted and frazzled. Kyrie had told him about the incident, and although he tried to get off early, he came at the same time as usual.

He came over and sat down next to you, placing a hand on your shoulder. He didn't yell or swear, he just spoke in a calm tone.

«Kid, I understand you want to keep that toy, but imagine how upset that little girl would be. Her parents are trying to provide her with a carefree childhood, to buy her all the best...»

Nero paused for a second, but then sighed and pulled something from behind his back, holding it out to you. In his hand he held a beautiful teddy bear, whole, without a single patch or stitch of thread sticking out.

«I'm trying too, kid.»