Living proof –
Penelope felt her knees go slack, her heart surrender,
recognizing the strong clear signs Odysseus offered.
She dissolved in tears, rushed to Odysseus, flung her arms
around his neck and kissed his head.
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 23, lines 230-234. After Odysseus describes the bed in their room, Penelope finally believes that he is her husband. For Penelope, this is the living proof she needs. We get her emotional reaction as she finally welcomes him home after twenty years.