Inside the orphanage, a young boy sat in the living room, perched on the sofa with a book open across his lap. His decisive green eyes were glued to the page, absorbed as always. At the age of ten, he had spent his entire childhood within those walls. The place was called the Day Light Orphanage. Ever since Lira had found him on the front steps of the house, it had been his only home.
It had happened on a rainy night. Lira—the caretaker of the orphanage—had stepped outside to collect the laundry when she noticed a small box sitting near the door. Inside, wrapped in a damp blanket, was an infant. Lira froze for a moment, struck by the cruelty of leaving a baby outside in the storm. She lifted the child carefully into her arms and brought him inside. Tucked beside him was a folded letter.
If you are reading this, then you have found my boy. Please don't judge me. I am forced to make this decision due to a promise I made to someone. I hope he grows up well and becomes a great man. He will probably never read this, but if he does, I want him to know that it was never his fault. I sincerely hope he will one day forgive me. Live on, Youri, and never stop. Love you, Dad.
After reading the letter, Lira looked down at the baby—at the tiny face and soft brown hair. She smiled gently as she lifted him into her arms and whispered, "Alright then, Youri. I guess you're part of the family now."
Lira herself was a beautiful woman. Her auburn hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, giving her a graceful and warm appearance. Her face was radiant, framed by high cheekbones and a bright, welcoming smile that seemed impossible to resist. Her green eyes were lively and kind, framed by perfectly shaped brows. She raised Youri and every child who passed through Day Light as if each one were her own.
Among all the children who came and went, three were raised there from infancy: Emma, Liam, and Youri. They were close in age—Liam the oldest by two years, then Youri and Emma. The trio were inseparable, like siblings bound by something deeper than blood.
Liam, the oldest, was the energetic troublemaker. He played pranks on the other children, stole Lira's laundry just to make her chase him all around the house, filling the place with laughter. He was tall for his age, with blond hair and blue eyes. At age nine, he was adopted by a family from Talion, the capital of Volar. It was the first time Youri lost one of his siblings. After Liam left, he never sent a message or called—not once. Perhaps it was for the best, Youri and Emma thought. Liam had started a new life, and there was no room for his past.
Two years later, another family visited Day Light. This time they were from a different planet—a couple who ran a cargo business. They traveled constantly but wanted to settle down in Volar. They met all the children, and they truly seemed kind. The wife was a gentle woman with long blonde hair and soft blue eyes, eager to listen to every story the children shared. Her husband was rough around the edges—a hardworking man, bald with a thick brown beard and honest, earthy eyes.
They visited the orphanage a few more times. On their final visit, they made their decision—they wanted Emma as their daughter. Emma was the quiet, shy girl everyone loved. She had dark hair and soft brown eyes. At the age of eight, she was adopted, leaving Youri as the last child remaining in the house.
Another year passed. The orphanage grew quieter as children left, until only Youri remained. Alone now, he found comfort in books. Lira had taught him to read early, opening endless worlds for him, and reading became the anchor of his lonely days.
But that same year, a black car stopped in front of the orphanage. Youri watched through the rain-speckled window as a man stepped out. He wore a black suit, black fedora, and dark sunglasses. When he entered the house, he took off his glasses and hat, revealing black marble-like eyes and slicked-back oily hair. He held his fedora against his chest as he spoke.
"Excuse me, miss. Are you the caretaker of this orphanage?"
Lira nodded. "Yes. How can I help you, Mr…?"
Still smiling, the man replied, "Knox. Sorry for not introducing myself sooner."
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Knox. I'm Lira. How may I help?"
Knox leaned forward slightly. "I'm looking to expand my family. I'm a single man in my mid-forties. My colleagues and friends all have children, and I've always wanted a child of my own. Fate simply never had the same opinion." He let out a small, practiced laugh.
Lira smiled politely but shook her head. "We don't usually accept single parents. It can be a difficult situation for the child, especially given how they grow up. Raising a child alone requires time and attention that many single parents simply can't manage."
Knox nodded slowly, still wearing the same polite smile. "I completely agree with you, Miss Lira. But I recently retired, and now I find myself with plenty of time. And… not to brag, but I own several businesses and live comfortably."
Lira cut him off firmly. "Thank you, Mr. Knox, but as I said—we do not give children to single people. I'm truly sorry."
Knox straightened, his smile unchanged. He glanced at Youri sitting across the room before saying, "What a shame. You seem like quite the young boy." Then he turned to Lira and placed a business card in her hand. "If you ever change your mind, I would appreciate a call."
Lira accepted the card but replied, "I don't think so. But if anything changes, I'll let you know."
Knox left the house and walked to his car. Youri watched from the window as the man got inside and drove away. Behind him, Lira called:
"Youri, dinner is ready! Come on!"