He was on a cold list, without a name, without a story. At the Suraia shelter, he wasn’t Mirel. He was just a number. One line among many. A life that didn’t matter to anyone. He didn’t bark. He didn’t ask. He didn’t hope. He just watched. Quiet, tired, resigned.
When we came for him, he didn’t know if he was heading toward the end or just another day like any other. For him, people didn’t bring change—only decisions. But this time, the decision was life. We took him out of that cold, silent place, and for the first time, he was seen as a being, not a number.
And we gave him a name: Mirel. From wonder.
Because he was so astonished when he realized he wouldn’t die… that he couldn’t believe it. Astonished that hands could be gentle. Astonished that a bowl could be full. Astonished that a human voice could soothe, not hurt. Astonished that, after so much fear, there could be calm.
At Speranța, Mirel learned simple but immense things: that he no longer needed to be afraid, that he no longer had to fight for every crumb, that he was no longer alone.
And today, he is still amazed. He is amazed when someone calls his name. Amazed when he receives a gentle touch. Amazed when he falls asleep in safety. Amazed that he is alive.
Because once, he was just a number on a list. Today, he is Mirel. A living soul. A life saved. A wonder that has not faded.
And if you look into his eyes, it seems he whispers: “I don’t know why you chose me… but I will never stop being amazed that the world can be kind.”