"My late wife was a master sculptor," the old man explained gently. "In fact, she graduated from your very same university fifty years ago. These were her models for her advanced studies." Hina stepped closer, mesmerized to find a classical ceramic vase whose geometric lines matched the exact historical period and technique required for her own destroyed assignment.
"Take it," the old man urged softly, lifting the stunning study piece from its velvet pedestal and placing it in Hina's hands. "Consider it a temporary loan for your professor. My wife would have insisted that no dedicated student from her alma mater fail because of a crowded train platform.” Hina carefully packed the historic sculpture, thanking him repeatedly.
But as she turned to hurry back to campus, the old man gently reached into a smaller felt box inside the vault and stopped her. He placed a small, beautifully carved wooden brooch in her palm. "This is yours to keep forever," he said with a warm smile. "A token of my deep gratitude for your honesty and kindness."