Costel entered the world on a crisp autumn morning, his first cries echoing through the hospital room. His mother, Maria, held him close, marveling at the tiny miracle in her arms. From the moment he was born, Costel was a curious baby, his bright eyes always searching for something new. He would giggle at the sound of his father’s voice and grasp his mother’s finger with surprising strength.

As months passed, he learned to crawl, then to stand, and soon enough, he took his first wobbly steps. Every stumble was met with encouraging cheers from his family. His laughter filled the house when he discovered the joy of playing with his wooden toys, and his cries pierced the silence when he refused to sleep without being rocked in his mother’s arms.

By the time Costel turned three, his world had expanded beyond the walls of his home. He became an energetic explorer, fascinated by the smallest things—a butterfly fluttering in the garden, the sound of raindrops against the window, and the warmth of his father’s embrace after a long day.

He was a bundle of energy, running through the house, climbing furniture, and testing the limits of his little body. His favorite game was playing hide-and-seek with his older sister, Ana. Even though he wasn’t very good at hiding, she always pretended not to find him right away, just to hear him giggle with delight.

Where is he?

Costel’s first day of school was a big event. Dressed in a new uniform, he held tightly to his mother’s hand, hesitant about entering a room full of strangers. But within days, he made friends and discovered a love for stories. He would spend hours listening to his teacher read tales of faraway lands, heroic warriors, and magical creatures.

At home, he transformed his backyard into a battlefield where he fought dragons and saved kingdoms. With a wooden sword in hand and a makeshift cape on his back, he declared himself a great adventurer. His imagination knew no bounds.

As Costel entered his preteen years, he began to notice changes in himself and those around him. He no longer wanted to play make-believe as much, and his interests shifted toward sports and video games. He joined the school’s football team, eager to prove himself on the field.

Friendships became more complex. Some kids teased him for his shy nature, while others admired his kindness. He started to care more about what people thought of him, sometimes feeling insecure. His mother reassured him that he was growing into a wonderful young man, but he wasn’t always sure he believed her.

Despite these struggles, Costel found joy in small things—riding his bike through the countryside, sharing secrets with his best friend, and laughing uncontrollably at his sister’s silly jokes