The cool morning breeze grows into a cold wind as the clock strikes 12:03. The graying sky obscures the environment.

  Hinozu flutters his eyes open before getting out of bed. Walking over to the mirror at the end of the room, he fixes his gaze on himself. His raven black locks are disheveled, his eyes thrice darker than usual from the deep bags beneath them. He's wearing clean pajamas, though they seem several years old due to the faded colors.

  He turns around, walking towards the door. Shortly after he opens it, he sees Friedrich closing the entrance door across the illuminated living room. The man catches Hinozu's gaze, holding it a few seconds before offering a faint smile. He quickly hangs his trench coat after taking it off.

  Approaching the child, he places a hand on his head tenderly. The boy looks upwards, an unreadable expression on his face.

  Friedrich: [Good morning, Hinozu. You seem tired, still... How about I prepare you some breakfast? I'm sure you'll feel better.]

  The child doesn't respond, lowering his gaze as he hesitates to formulate an answer. An amused smile draws across Friedrich's lips as he pats Hinozu's head.

  Friedrich: [No need to be shy. Why don't you sit at the table? I'll prepare you something.]

  Hinozu nods as he glances around the living room. It's quite spacious, with a sofa and some armchairs on the right side, and an island kitchen on the left. He walks over to one of the stools at the island and sits —after various failed attempts— as Friedrich starts cooking something.

  Friedrich breaks the persistent silence as he cracks two eggs and retrieves some bacon from the fridge.

  Friedrich: [I met with someone I knew today. She said she'd take care of you, provide you with... anything you need.]

  As the eggs fry, he begins cooking the bacon.

  Friedrich: [There will also be other children, so you can make lots of friends. Fun, right?]

  No response. He glances at the child over his shoulder, the boy deviating his eyes almost immediately. Growing a bit uncomfortable, the man focuses again on the bacon as he places the fried eggs on a plate. When it's well-done, he places the bacon along with the eggs and hands it over to the child along with a fork and a butter knife.

  Friedrich: [So? What do you say, shall we check it out after you eat?]

  Hinozu considers the question for a short while before nodding. He grabs the fork and eats a piece of bacon, chewing slowly. He bites off a piece again, before staring at the plate for a few seconds. A confused expression appears on Friedrich's features.

  Friedrich: [What's the matter? Don't like it? Sorry... I should've asked first. I'll, uh, make you something else, okay?]

  The boy shakes his head, still staring at the plate.

  Hinozu: [It's not that. I...]

  He places the fork on the plate.

  [I'm not hungry.]

  The man exhales a short breath. He opens and closes his mouth repeatedly, before deciding to not press further. Nodding, he grabs the plate and sets it on the kitchen counter, his back towards the kid. His face shows worry and hurt.

  Friedrich: [Then... Get dressed, alright? I already washed and dried your clothes. They're hanged just outside the bathroom.]

  Hinozu: [Okay.]

  He mutters. Leaving his seat, he walks to the corridor. Upon spotting his clothes, he grabs them, going inside the bathroom to change, locking the door in the process.

  Meanwhile, Friedrich leans against the kitchen counter, pondering. He takes out the cigarette pack. Taking one out, he stares at it for a while.

  He clenches his fist, crushing the cigarette as his face shows a sorrowful expression. As the door to the bathroom unlocks, Friedrich throws the cigarette in the trash, hiding the pack quickly. As the child steps inside the living room, the man offers him quick a smile.

  Friedrich: [All set, I see. Shall we go?]

  Hinozu nods. As Friedrich walks over to the entrance door, the boy follows suit. Leaving the house, they get in the car. The man starts the car, driving off. The boy looks outside the window, his gaze jumping from a thing to the other. Rain starts to pour down.

  After a while, Friedrich parks next to a large building. Hinozu glances over to it. It looks like a big house. Old, but well-kept and overall clean. A large, strange symbol depicting a moth is fixed just above the entrance door, its cracked wings spread wide. The boy looks away from the unnerving sigil.

  An old woman stands outside with an umbrella, her features unrecognizable, hidden behind the hood of the navy blue jacket she wears. Friedrich turns the car off as he turns toward the child.

  Friedrich: [We're here, Hinozu.]

  The man opens the door as he exits the vehicle. Hinozu reaches for the handle, but stops suddenly.

  His stomach drops.

  He starts to breathe heavily, fear and hesitation written all over his face. Friedrich walks over and opens the door for him, confused.

  Friedrich: [Is something wrong?]

  The child lowers his head, his hands going down to intertwine with his little fingers.

  [I... I don't want to stay here.]

  Friedrich places a hand on his shoulder.

  Friedrich: [It'll be alright, Hinozu. I promise. They'll take care of you... So don't worry.]

  Hinozu: [But... It all feels so strange... I don't... I don't know what to do!]

  His expression grows sorrowful as his eyes water.

  [Nothing feels real... I wa—]

  [Hinozu.]

  His eyes widen as strong arms embrace him.

  Friedrich: [If there's one thing I can do...]

  Friedrich speaks, his voice heavy with emotion.

  Friedrich: [It's giving you a life. I know it's not what you expected. I really do. But... just, trust in me. I-is that okay, with you?]

  They stay in silence. Though it must've been seconds, it felt like minutes as Hinozu finally responds.

  Hinozu: [Y-yeah. I'll try.]

  Friedrich pats his back, helping him out of the car before handing the child his umbrella.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  Friedrich: [Thank you, Hinozu.]

  A hesitant but genuine smile spreads across his lips. They both approach the old woman, who waves at the child eagerly.

  Old Woman: [I'm glad you made it safe through this rain. Come on, let's get inside to talk.]

  She nods her head towards the ornate entrance as she starts walking, Friedrich and Hinozu following her. Once inside, the woman closes her umbrella and hangs it on a nearby pillar rack. Friedrich follows, hanging his trench coat before helping Hinozu with this jacket. As the woman steps closer to him, Hinozu takes in her features. Despite clearly being around 60, due to her dark gray hair —which she keeps in a long braid hanging on her shoulder— and some wrinkles, she looks relatively young and energetic. Her jade rosin eyes show intelligence as she fixes her gaze at Friedrich, scrutinizing him.

  The boy glances around the room, choosing to ignore the unspoken tension between the adults.

  The entrance area is made out of fine materials, like polished wood elements, towering walls paneled in dark wood and many decorations in place. The floor is finely carpeted, immaculate and spotless, colored in a striking but comfy red. As the child rubs his shoes on it, he glances at the left side of the entrance door, where the wooden pillar rack stands with tall, slender posts for hanging coats and umbrellas, as well as a large wooden world globe. On the left side, a small selection of plants can be seen, as well as an empty shoe rack.

  Looking forwards, he fixes his gaze on the two long sets of carpeted staircases —both curving towards the second floor. As Hinozu follows each step, he quickly gets dizzy by the detail on every single on of them. Between the staircases, there's an intricately carved wooden door.

  In both walls on the side, there are also doors that lead to other areas of the house. On the ceiling is a large, shining crystal chandelier, which hangs above the plush sofa, strangely placed in the middle of the entrance room.

  As the old woman finally breaks eye contact with Friedrich, a look of disapproval passes through her features before turning to the child, smiling warmly.

  Old Woman: [Hi there, little guy. What's your name?]

  She offers a hand. As soon as Friedrich parts his lips, she shoots him a warning glance.

  Hinozu: [My name... My name is Hinozu.]

  He takes the hand with his own, slightly trembling. The woman squeezes gently, in a reassuring way, before letting go.

  Old Woman: [Nice to meet you, Hinozu. My name's Jenneah. I'm sure Friedrich has told you a little about where we are. Has he?]

  Friedrich shifts, leaning against the wall as he glances at everything but her. The child nods.

  Hinozu: [He told me I could live here. That you... Would take care of me. And that I would f-find other children here.]

  Jenneah sighs deeply, throwing yet another hostile glance at Friedrich. The man seems to shift uncomfortably. Hinozu grows nervous, a strange sensation in his stomach that borders on overwhelming. Jenneah pats the child's arm.

  Jenneah: [I'm sure you're feeling nervous. All this must've been rough for you. How about we clarify things out? Would you like that?]

  She crouches down to be at eye-level with Hinozu. The boy hesitates for a moment, but as the nervousness subsides, he lowers his head, twiddling with his thumbs.

  Hinozu: [I would.]

  The old woman nods before sending a death stare at the man leaning against the wall. Friedrich sighs, leaving the entrance room through the nearby door.

  Jenneah: [Alright. Why don't we take a seat, then? You can tell me anything you want, I'm all ears.]

  Jenneah walks over to the sofa, sitting down and patting the empty spot next to her. As the child sits down, she gently wraps her arm around his back.

  Jenneah: [Before starting, I must say, you're very brave, Hinozu. I know you're feeling overwhelmed, but it's normal to feel that way. Focus on breathing while I explain, will you?]

  Hinozu nods, breathing slowly and deeply. Jenneah smiles, satisfied, as she parts her lips.

  Jenneah: [You see, this man here wasn't lying, when he told you I'd take care of you here. I'll do my best to support you, especially through this... difficult time you're experiencing. Tell me, Hinozu.]

  [Do you feel lost?]

  The child's eyes widen, his hands fidgeting nervously. As Jenneah pats his back, he feels his eyes tear up.

  [I... I do!]

  He sobs, his voice shaky as his shoulders tremble. He recalls the day before, just shopping with Sayaka, running around while laughing. He remembers her warm smile, and those tired eyes that shone brightly when she looked at him. Tears flow from his eyes, and this time...

  He lets them fall.

  Hinozu: [I miss my home! I m-miss playing with my cars while sit-sitting on the carpet...!]

  He cries, his entire body shivering as Jenneah rubs his arm soothingly. The rain seems to intensify outside, casting dark shadows on the now-obscure room.

  Hinozu: [I don't care if we c-can't buy nice things! I... I don't care if I still h-have to eat the same thing every day! All I want...]

  His face, now soaked with tears, shows deep sorrow and grief, his hands clutching tightly at his chest as his throat hurts from the tight knot in it.

  [All I want is...]

  He slumps, his voice whimpering in a broken, high-pitched voice.

  Hinozu: [S-sis...! I want... I want to be with her...!]

  [Just one more day... Please...]

  His voice gives out, the words merely a whisper as his tears run dry.

  [Just one more day.]

  Jenneah stays silent, her eyes closed as she lets the child understand his emotions. The room falls in a comfortable silence, the rain a soothing sound. Finally, she speaks in a gentle tone, her gaze fixed on Hinozu.

  Jenneah: [Listen, Hinozu. We can't go back in time, no matter how much we want to. All you have to do, is to be strong. It's not easy at all, I get it... But if you just let these bad feelings sit for too long... They will make you feel even worse. No matter how hard it is, no matter how bad you feel...]

  [Just try to move forward.]

  She pats Hinozu's head tenderly. The child leans in into her touch, as silence overtakes once more. As the minutes pass, Jenneah finally parts her lips to speak.

  Jenneah: [You must be wondering why Friedrich brought you here. Well, to put it simply... This is a Center. The IEM takes children who need care and brings them to us, so we can provide them with the care they need until they grow up. A home, warm food, somewhere to sleep. Like Friedrich said, you'll live with other children, too, so you can make friends, if you want to.]

  She pauses, glancing at Hinozu for a brief moment. Once she confirms Hinozu is listening, she continues after shifting in her seat.

  Jenneah: [Most importantly, we provide you with education, so you can find your place in the world when you become older. Do you understand?]

  Hinozu: [I do... But, what's the I... E M?]

  Jenneah raises a brow.

  Jenneah: [You've never heard of the IEM?]

  The child shakes his head, which makes Jenneah chuckle.

  Jenneah: [Well, I'm sure you'll learn more about it soon enough. That is, if you agree to stay here.]

  She winks, standing up from the couch. The boy follows shortly after.

  Jenneah: [Would you like a tour around the place? What do you say?]

  Hinozu: [Uhm, okay.]

  She walks over to the door to the left side of the room. Opening it, she waits for Hinozu to approach her. Smiling warmly, she steps inside after him.

  As they walk through the long, well-lit corridor, a loud thud followed by a high-pitched yelp makes Hinozu flinch. Jenneah pinches the bridge of her nose. She sighs before offering the child an apologetic smile.

  Jenneah: [These kids...]

  Nearing the end of the corridor, she knocks on a large, metallic double door before opening it. Two children, a boy and a girl, try to clean a huge mess in what seems like the kitchen. There's utensils on the ground, cracked eggs, and flour all around. The children themselves appear to be nearly covered with flour.

  Children: [Um...]

  [It's his fault!]

  [It's her fault!]

  They say in unison, pointing at each other.

  Jenneah: [I can clearly see it's both of you. So? What were you trying to make this time?]

  Boy: [Cake!]

  Girl: [Yeah! I think it'll turn out pretty good!]

  Jenneah sighs deeply. Hinozu watches intently, curious about the whole situation.

  Jenneah: [That cake's going to have to wait. First of a—]

  Girl: [Hm? Who are you?]

  Hinozu meets the girl's gaze.

  Hinozu: [I... I'm...]

  Jenneah: [He's new here. I was just about to ask you to show him the place.]

  The old woman pats Hinozu's back.

  Jenneah: [Why don't you get to know each other?]

  Both the girl and the boy share a glance before smiling warmly at the child.

  Boy: [Nice to meet you! I'm Ayumu!]

  Girl: [And I'm Kanna! What's your name?]

  Hinozu hesitates, twiddling his thumbs before answering.

  Hinozu: [My name is Hinozu.]

  Ayumu jumps beside him, wrapping an arm around Hinozu. Kanna grabs his arm, tugging at his shirt.

  Kanna: [Do you like cooking? and baking? What are your hobbies? Drawing? Do you like cake? I made a cake! Wanna try it?]

  Ayumu: [We're gonna be best friends, Hinozu! Let's play!]

  Hinozu tries to wiggle free from them, overwhelmed by their eagerness —And the flour, now all over him. As Jenneah raises a hand, both children stop, stepping aside. Big smiles still draw on their lips, amazed by the idea of a new friend.

  Jenneah: [Leave the poor boy be, will you? Anyways, what I was saying. Show him around after taking a shower. I have something to discuss with Friedrich in the meanwhile. Alri—]

  Kanna and Ayumu both grab Hinozu by the arm, running away to god knows where.

  Both children: [Leave it to us!]

  The old woman sighs amusedly, walking away.

  ——

  [You really have no shame, walking in here after years. Do you?]

  Jenneah paces around her office, casting glances of disapproval to the man. The simple room is adorned with just a desk, a chair and some bookshelves. Friedrich stands still, his gaze focused on Jenneah.

  Jenneah: [Although I must admit, you did well in bringing that poor child here. As shitty of a person as you are, you still know the difference between right and wrong.]

  She stops walking, leaning against her desk. Friedrich opens his mouth so as to speak, but is cut short by the old woman.

  Jenneah: [You didn't even explain anything to him. He didn't even know what the IEM was, Friedrich. Did you expect the kid to just agree to be dragged here, without any kind of clarification?]

  Friedrich: [I tried, but—]

  [No you didn't.]

  Jenneah: [You've never really tried at anything after... That incident.]

  Friedrich's eyes widen, his pulse accelerating. He starts sweating profusely, his breathing becoming ragged.

  Friedrich: [Don't.]

  Jenneah's eyes narrow down as she crosses her arms across her chest.

  Jenneah: [Oh, I will do. It's time for you to acknowledge the truth, Friedrich. You can't hide from it forever.]

  Friedrich: [I told you. I'm not trying to hide from it. I just... I just want to forget... That.]

  The old woman approaches the man, staring daggers at him.

  Jenneah: [The IEM is supposed to protect people from those damned demons.]

  Friedrich: [Isothes. They're called Isothes.]

  Jenneah: [Do you think I give a damn?]

  She says, her voice dangerously low.

  Jenneah: [They were still young, Friedrich. They had a whole future ahead of them, and you let them d—]

  She stops, biting back the word. But it's too late.

  Friedrich's knees give out as he sinks to the floor. His expression shows deep guilt, his fists clenching hard enough to draw blood. Jenneah's features show regret for a moment, before returning to cold annoyance. She clicks her tongue, turning around.

  Jenneah: [Leave, Friedrich.]

  [Leave, as the coward you are.]