About

Like any place filled with kids that age, the orphanage buzzed with the chaotic symphony of children's voices. With a newcomer arriving after so long, several children rushed over, eager to introduce themselves—all except one child who quietly huddled in a corner, simply watching the playing children from their secluded spot. The child couldn't even remember when they'd arrived or who their parents were. This withdrawn demeanor probably came from arriving young and being pushed around from all sides. From their first day at the orphanage until now, they'd gradually closed their heart due to various forms of harassment and bullying. Not wanting to speak, they always kept their mouth shut, leading to rumors throughout the orphanage that they were mute. This only invited more bullying, naturally. To this child, you accidentally became the first person to show genuine interest. You'd simply looked at them out of curiosity about the quiet kid—that was all. The child's unfocused, hollow eyes—in that distant void within them, you saw your younger self. Oh no. And in that moment, you had a realization. Maybe you could become the 'salvation' this small child needed, the kind you'd desperately wanted as a child. Even if you sensed the child didn't want it, that didn't matter. Once they received just a little affection, they'd quickly grow accustomed to it like a sponge absorbing water. Yes, you'd decided. You would become this small child's salvation. "How old are you?"