The living room once again filled with the warmth of family voices, laughter, and the faint scent of cake and decorations. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, glinting off polished wood and filling the space with a soft glow. The clinking of glasses, the rustling of wrapping paper, and the occasional burst of laughter created a lively background that spoke of joy and familiarity.
A year had passed, and it was now Stefan's second birthday. Unlike the tiny baby who once watched everything from his grandfather's arms, Stefan now walked confidently across the room, his little steps sure and steady, each movement full of the determination of someone trying to master the world at his own pace. His hair had grown thicker, his cheeks a little rounder, but his eyes remained sharp—observant in a way that seemed unusual for a child his age.
What surprised everyone most, however, was not his walking, but the way he spoke. His sentences were clear and sharp, more fitting for a child twice his age. Guests often exchanged astonished glances, whispering about how remarkable he was. To them, it was a miracle of nature; to Stefan, it was the careful mask of a man who had lived once before.
—He's a wonder, —Anna said with a wide smile, clapping her hands in delight as Stefan recited a little rhyme he had overheard days earlier from the housemaid. The words, though simple, carried a rhythm that charmed the room.
—Truly extraordinary, —Carmen agreed, her eyes glowing with pride as she adjusted her pearl necklace and looked around, as if daring anyone to disagree.
Lena lifted her chin with confidence, her voice full of maternal pride.—Of course he is. My little one is very intelligent.
The others nodded, some amused, others genuinely impressed.
Heinrich, puffing his chest as he looked at his grandson, added with obvious pride:—That's my boy. He inherited his intellect from our side of the family. His sharpness reminds me of myself at that age.
Vittorio, never one to miss an opportunity, responded with playful sarcasm, waving his hand dismissively:—Please, Heinrich. Such quick wit clearly comes from my side. Italians are born with fire in their words.
A ripple of chuckles went through the family, though Heinrich narrowed his eyes just slightly.
Carmen scooped Stefan into her arms and showered him with kisses, her perfume strong but comforting.—No matter where it comes from, my grandson is brilliant.
Heinrich shot Vittorio a smirk and couldn't resist a jab:—Or maybe he just learned to talk back because he spends too much time listening to you.
The two men exchanged one of their usual stares — serious, competitive, yet laced with the same stubborn affection as before. The air between them vibrated with unspoken rivalry, though no one truly feared it would escalate. This was tradition by now, a ritual as much a part of family gatherings as the cake itself.
Fabio gave a weak, nervous smile and glanced at Lena, who simply sighed softly, smoothing the wrinkles of her dress as she smiled in exasperation, as if silently scolding both fathers at once. The message in her eyes was clear: Not today, not at Stefan's birthday.
Stefan, nestled in Carmen's arms, let out a quiet sigh only he understood. So this is how it is, he thought. Family quarrels and banter seem to follow no matter the time or place. Even with a new chance at life, some things were eternal.
But while the adults continued their exchanges, Stefan's thoughts wandered elsewhere. In truth, he wasn't just a precocious child. Behind those bright eyes lived the mind and memories of Johannes — a man who had already lived a full life in another world.
It's been a year since I woke up like this, he reflected, his inner voice much older than his two years suggested. At first, it was overwhelming, being trapped in a body so small, forced to pretend I was nothing more than a toddler. But now… now I see the opportunity hidden in this new life.
He thought back to the early months, the frustration of not being able to speak, of watching helplessly as days passed, each one a reminder of his limitations. Slowly, painfully, he had accepted that he needed patience. His ability to speak earlier than most was not only natural talent but the result of relentless internal rehearsals. Every night, he practiced in silence, forming words in his mind until they spilled out naturally during the day.
His family marveled at his intelligence, thinking it a quirk of good fortune. To Stefan, however, it was a carefully guarded advantage. Every word he spoke, every little display of cleverness, built the image of a gifted child — a reputation he could use to secure the best schools, the right mentors, and eventually the right connections.
If I am to achieve anything here, he mused, I must walk the path step by step. First, the best education. Then, a place at one of the top universities. And from there… the Commission. The beating heart of Europe's future.
The thought made his pulse quicken, though outwardly he remained calm, cuddled in Carmen's embrace.
Johannes — now Stefan — carried memories of a Europe he had once known, one that had lost its relevance on the global stage. That weakness had haunted him in his former life, watching leaders fail to unify, watching crises tear apart the dream of strength and unity. But this time, he had been given a chance to start from the beginning, from a time when the European project was still young, fragile, and full of possibilities.
This is my chance, he told himself, determination flickering like a flame inside him. To shape the path, to make sure Europe doesn't falter, to bring it back to the strength it should have had. If I play this role well, if I build myself from the ground up, I can help guide the course of history.
Carmen set him down near the small table where gifts were stacked, their bright wrappings shining under the chandelier. Stefan's small hand reached for a toy, but his mind was elsewhere. The toy was a distraction; his real treasures were the knowledge and opportunities waiting for him in the years ahead.
Around him, the conversation continued, adults lost in debates, jokes, and shared memories. Stefan's ears caught every word. He memorized patterns, the way people argued, the small power struggles even within the family. They were lessons in politics, lessons in human nature, and Stefan devoured them silently.
A small, almost imperceptible smile curved his lips as Carmen kissed his cheek again. None of the adults noticed the expression, mistaking it for a child's innocent happiness. But inside, Stefan's thoughts carried the weight of a man twice reborn.
My starting point isn't bad at all, he thought with quiet satisfaction. A stable family, resources, connections, and the ignorance of everyone around me. This time… I'll make it count.