In a small town that can not be named, not too far from where you might think, nursery rhymes would whisper secrets to the wind, echoing sounds of laughter and joy to children, a lonely heart beat with a desire for connection. No parents to love, no friends to care "are you sure?", a heart that had known only pain, rejection, and the weight of unintended consequences. Was it their fault? They've heard from old how their sweet lullabies were once dark tales. It wasn't on purpose that it had to be that way. One mistake...an accident?...brought about so much suffering to this once joyful place.

Years went by and the cause for the historic tragedy was tagged "The Catalyst", a forgotten tale...or is it? A young orphan boy who goes by the name Bronson happened to live in this town but in the present era when of course the event that unfolded was more or less just a tall tale. A loner with no care in the world, just doesn't want anything to do with the messed up place he calls home. But he doesn't seem to be all...normal...why?

Would you like to know what really happened when the catalyst attacked? What caused such a great tragedy to awaken? What does Bronson have to do with it? Please, we need answers. "Why is everyone dying?"

..."Be careful when you go out at night"...

...------------...

×××: I don't understand, what did I do wrong? Please answer me, I'm scared. what did I do!?... I'm sorry, I won't do it again I promise. I've learned from my mistakes, please don't hurt me!!... I won't do it again!... Please listen to me!!...I hate bad people! I hate you all! You people are all bad!!! I HATE YOU!!!!

...----------------...

Bronson can be seen laying back on the ground in a large field with his hands and legs spread apart, almost like he had a hard fall to the back. He seems to have a bruise on his forehead from a ball laying right next to him, but he looks unfazed by the situation. Laughter can be heard from a distance, it's getting closer.

A group of kids, looking about the same age as Bronson, get closer to the scene with mischievous grins on their faces. Bronson ignores their presence and keeps staring at the sky like they were never there to begin with.

Chuck: Oh I'm sorry bronze, we didn't see you there with all the lack of sunlight over here. It's almost like you became one with the darkness (he lets out a sly chuckle).

Boy: Are you sure he isn't a vampire, I mean only vampires stay away from sunlight.

Girl: Yeah! And look at him, so pale looking with black hair and dead like eyes, they're even bright red, all that's left are fangs.

Chuck: Hey now, we shouldn't be mean remember, besides you never know when he'll get cranky and bite our necks off (he grins).

Girl: No wonder he never gets adopted.

They all let out a burst of laughter after that. Bronson still kept the same expression through the whole ordeal. He gets up after a while but stagers a bit. The others chuckle at his weak state only to lock eyes with him. He gives them a dead stare, enough to leave a chill down their spine.

Chuck: W-what are you looking at you freak!? (he steps back a bit)

Bronson: I have a name you know, (he gets closer) and it's not bronze, you of all people know that. So if you don't want to get stuck in this orphanage with me Chucky...(he backs him up against a tree) you better watch back pal.

Chuck is trembling in fear from Bronson's current demeanor, and he doesn't seem to be backing down. Chuck's pals grab Bronson by the arms and pin him to a tree, far enough for Chuck to have some breathing space. It took a while before he could recollect himself in order to look fearless in front of the others. They ask him if he's okay in which he gives them a positive reply before approaching Bronson. He grabs his hair hard enough to make him wince in pain, reminding him of how stupid he must have been to think he could belittle him. He goes on and on about his current situation of not being able to get adopted by anyone that came over. Deep down Bronson knew he wasn't the reason he wasn't getting adopted but that the other kids have stopped at nothing to make sure he never leaves. He doesn't want to look like he cares, not now, not ever in his life, because he gave up that feeling years ago.

Chuck was about to give him a hard blow to the face when one of the nannies at the facility called for them to gather around. Everyone knew what that meant, a couple came over for an adoption. They all ran inside leaving Bronson behind. Indifferent about the situation, he stood there for a while to take in the nice afternoon breeze before heading inside himself.

......................

By the time he got in, everyone was already assembles in line, ready to receive the couple. A nanny, who goes by the name Maybelle, noticed his late presence, not only that, but also the bruise that was inflicted on his forehead along with some other bruises here and there. She rushed over to him to inquire how it happened. On hearing this Chuck and his gang flinched in fear because they knew what would happen if they were told on for misconducts. Bronson noticed this and let out a little smirk before letting her know he got hit by a ball. That answer struck the trio like a stab to the chest. Miss Maybelle wasn't quite amused with that answer and asked him who did it, this time with Chuck getting a quick glimpse of them, quick enough for him to notice the smug look on Bronson's face. He swore to himself that if he as much as said his name to her, he would make his life a living hell in the facility. The others only mumbled to themselves on if they were going to get in trouble soon.

The suspense was enough to reveal the level of awkwardness in the room, but Bronson is not the one to waste time, so he lied that he didn't see who did it because they left as soon as they were called inside. She consoles him on the matter and helps treat his wounds while the trio heaved a sigh of relief. "Why did you lie?" a voice echoed in his head causing him to wince in pain a little. This made Miss Maybelle think it was the wounds that hurt while tending to them. He said he just had a headache and needed to rest to ease the pain. She was a little hesitant at first but then agreed to his request. Just as she was about to escort him to his room the couple that came for adoption stepped into the hall. Bronson wasn't too amused at the situation were as Chuck was glad they would get to see his sorry state before he got the chance to leave.

Everyone gave the couple a warm welcome with greetings echoing around the hall as they walked in. They were amazed by such a welcome that they couldn't help but smile. They got close enough to see the children with their warm smiles, well, all except one person. Bronson just kept the same indifferent expression like no one cared. The other children could only help but whisper at his demeanor. Miss Maybelle wanted to intervene but the Dean, referred to as Madam Ross or as the children call her, Grandmother, hushed her actions. The lady moved to Bronson and introduced herself as well as asking about his well-being. Bronson wasn't interested in the interaction and just went ahead with straight forward answers without batting an eyelid, almost like he could read her mind.

Lady: I see we have a sharp one here 😅.

Man: Yh, so sharp it's almost scary 😶.

Lady: Hush now, you'll make him feel bad 😤

Man: Sorry dear 😓

Lady: It's okay now, he's always that way when he's nervous, he didn't mean to be rude.

Bronson: It's okay, besides I don't mind being referred to as scary, I think it makes me unique 😁 Hope you don't mind a scary child though. I can get really rough around the place if you can tell by the bandages and scars, but if you don't mind cleaning the place more than you usually do once in a while then I'm fine with it. (he grinned from ear to ear with a mischievous look on his face)

Miss Maybelle put a hand to her head, Madam Ross was not surprised and silently chuckled, while the others were all left shocked by what he said. The Lady felt baffled, out of words to say and just proceeded to get up from her current position. She thought to herself if she had said something wrong or her husband did. Miss Maybelle jumped in immediately, stating that he wasn't feeling quite well as he got a ball to the head while playing and was about to get some rest before they got in. That explained a lot, so they were fine with him getting some rest so he could feel better. Miss Maybelle excused themselves out of the hall while leaving with Bronson. Madam Ross proceeded to entertaining the guests while they pick out the child of their choice which they immediately agreed to as to calm their nervousness which was elevated by Bronson's sudden behavior.

......................

When they got in the room, Miss Maybelle asked him about his behavior back in the hall which he didn't give an answer to. She told him that if he kept acting in such a way towards the guests he would never get adopted. This stopped him in his thoughts. She saw that she had touched a point that got his attention and proceeded to delve deeper on the matter.

Miss Maybelle: Don't you...want to get adopted?

There was a brief silence in the air before he finally let out an answer.

Bronson: Why bother getting adopted when you'll just be abandoned again in the end.

This struck her heart. He looked emotionless when he gave that answer, like he lost every ounce of hope he ever had in this world. She wondered what happened to the poor boy that made him become the way he is, as if he never wanted to be cared for by anyone, only himself. She reached out to caress his cheek but stopped when another Nanny showed up, informing her that the Dean wanted to see her in her office immediately. She was about to leave, but before that, she held on to his hands tightly reassuring him with a gentle look in her eyes:

Miss Maybelle: You don't have to be alone in this world. There are people out there who still care about you. You just need to look in the right places and realize they aren't as far as they may seem to be. Think about it, and who knows, you might end up using these same words to comfort someone else in desperate need of it. It helps, and you'll see that you'll feel much better after before.

She leaves him with a light peck on the forehead, promising to be back to check on him later on. With the door closed behind her, Bronson is seen sitting alone to his own thoughts. "Do you trust her?"... The same voice from earlier echoed in his head.

Bronson: ...

..."Why are you hesitating?"...

Bronson: Shut up.

......................

About half an hour passed. Bronson decided to get some water as he hasn't had some since he came in after the incident. He noticed the couple were still around but this time with a child. "Chuck?" he thought to himself. "...at least I'll have one less problem to deal with from now on". He finally got a drink before heading back to his room. On his way he could hear some Nannies discussing in the laundry room.

Nanny 1: Did you see the way he replied to her. So rude of him. Doesn't he know he's giving this facility a bad name? If he stays here any longer who knows what will happen next.

Nanny 2: If you think what he said today was bad what would you say about what he did during the last visit.

Nanny 3: Last visit?

Nanny 2: You're new here, so you didn't get to experience it.

Nanny 1: Oh don't even remind me of that day. (she scoffs) It took me a while to wash away all that cranberry juice from my uniform.

Nanny 2: Apparently he thought it was a good idea to start messing with the ingredients. I don't know what he added to the juice, but as soon as he popped the lid open a lot of it got splattered around, even on the guests that day.

Nanny 1: And what ever it was it made it all thick and sticky.

Bronson remembered that day like it was just yesterday. The guests insisted on having a meal with the children to bond better with them before making their decision. The only person seen close to the kitchen besides the chef's was Bronson, but that was because he was told to get a few things required on the dinner table from the storage room. Of course, he wasn't sent alone. The only thing off was the cautious behavior of his helper, always looking around as if they were hiding from someone. He didn't think much of it because no one would want to ruin the dinner. Who would have thought his helper was planted there to sabotage the juice. That's why they left the kitchen in a hurry, so it would look as if he was the one that did it because he was the last person seen there. He could only stand there, reminiscing on what happened that day. "They are lying and you know that. Why aren't you doing anything about it?" ...

Nanny 1: Why can't he just leave already? It would do the place a world of good.

Bronson clenched his fist in rage, his teeth gritted just at the mere thought of what she said. "You want me gone? Not until I get rid of you first." he thought. The room was filled with a loud scream which scared the others in the room. Her hands were burning and itching with blood all over, she couldn't feel her hands anymore. She then knocked over the bowl she was using and the water got splattered all over her. It was like her skin was pealing off. She was in excruciating pain. Everyone tried desperately to calm her down but all she could do was cry on how bad it hurt. Bronson is seen hiding at a corner with his hands covering his mouth. "I thought you swore never to care anymore, but here you are hiding from your own pain." the voice chuckled. He ran straight to his room and locked the door.

They finally uncovered the cause of the problem. It turns out a box of hydrochloric acid happened to be next to the first nanny, but she didn't seem to notice when she accidentally knocked it into the bowl of water prepared for washing dirty clothes, so after pouring in the soap she decided to mix it together before putting the clothes in, that's when her hand got burned. Her face is disfigured due to the acids effect and her clothes got torn revealing a lot of burn scars. Her hands suffered the most from the incident. Everyone can only look with utter disgust and horror at the site before them. They rushed her unconscious body to the hospital, with the help of the couple's car they got there in time before major issues could unfold any further.

Madam Ross: We are so sorry you had to see that. This hasn't happened before. I think I need to train them all again to prevent such things from happening in the future.

Lady: Oh it's nothing really. Accidents happen, and it's not like training them again is going to help the situation 😅. So really your apology isn't necessary. I'm just glad no one else got hurt, and the children are safe.

Madam Ross: Thank you for understanding Miss.

Emily: Please just call me Emily, and really it's nothing.

Gorge: Well he's set and ready to go now. You excited bud?

Chuck: I sure am 😆

Emily: Hmm. By the way, where is Bronson? How is he feeling now? It wouldn't hurt to say goodbye would it?

Miss Maybelle: W-well...

A corny smile forms on Chucks face as he hears this. Knowing what Bronson usually does, he figured this was a good thing so no one would want him. He signals them, telling them that he knows where his room is, so he could take them there. Miss Emily was pleased but not so much for Miss Maybelle. They got to his room and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Miss Emily calls out to him letting him know who's at the door, still no answer. Miss Maybelle got worried and proceeded to open the door. The creaking sound of the door echoed through the halls. Bronson opened it himself. He apologized for not replying, said he was lost in thought. Miss Emily just smiled then got down to his level. She told him they were leaving and wanted to say goodbye. She expressed how she would have loved to adopt him instead, but she felt that him not feeling well meant they wouldn't get to see the real him. She's thankful she got to meet him and hopes a couple as good as them gets to meet him too and see what a wonderful person he is. "she's lying! She's trying to get in your head. Don't listen to her words." She hugs him, but he didn't respond to it. They bid him farewell and hoped to see him again. "If they really thought you were so wonderful why didn't they take you instead? They didn't have to wait till you got better. I'm sure she just said that to express their pity for you." Emily turned back to see him one more time. All she could see was his expressionless face before they left. She wondered what happened to make his eyes look so....empty.

......................

Bronson is now seen in the Deans office, but what for? The Dean, Madam Ross, and Miss Maybelle are there with him with Madam Ross sitting in here chair, Bronson sitting in the seat facing hers, and Miss Maybelle standing right next to him. The atmosphere is so stern and serious it's almost suffocating. Madam Ross releases a heavy sigh before going ahead with the discussion.

Madam Ross: Do you know why I called you into my office?

Bronson: Normally you would call me in here when I've done something wrong...even when I didn't do anything in particular. I didn't do anything wrong apart from my response to Miss Emily earlier today, but that issue was too little for you to call me out, besides you would have reprimanded me right there on the spot to show you have a sense of authority and that you know how to discipline the children, but you didn't. Judging by the stern look on your face and Miss Maybelle's worried expression, I recon it's something far more serious.

Miss Maybelle|Madam Ross: (How did he manage to say all that without batting an eye lid? 😓)

Madam Ross: (He didn't even change his demeanor. 😑)*clears throat* Well you're not entirely wrong. I wouldn't say it's much of a serious matter, but it sure doesn't put your Nanny at ease no matter how many times I tell her.

Bronson: And I guess that's the same reason you called her out previously?

Madam Ross: Precisely! Bronson, we know how hard it's been for you here at the orphanage. I agree we haven't been handling your matters fairly either, but it all comes with a valid reason.

Bronson: ... And what might that be?

Madam Ross: *takes a quick glance at Miss Maybelle*

Miss Maybelle: We aren't sure yet. We do have one, but it isn't valid. We aren't too sure about it yet.

She handed him a note she took out of her pocket. He read it to himself with the words "Please be careful who you hand him over for adoption!" There were other writings but in a foreign language, or maybe of a language that ceased to exist. They explained to him that the note was left with him on the day they found him at their doorstep. They didn't quite understand what his parents meant by those words, and they couldn't translate what came after either, but because of that they have been extra careful with who comes over to the orphanage for adoption, making sure he didn't fall into the wrong hands.

Madam Ross: It's giving me a headache every time I think about it. I can't even sleep at night. I feel bad holding you down like this every time. But until I'm sure of what that note says I won't feel easy leaving you in the hands of just anyone.

Bronson: I don't understand how this is holding me back. All they said was to be careful, and this could be some sort of signature or something. Couldn't you just leave me with a family that seems nice enough to raise a child?

Madam Ross: You should never judge a book by its cover. If we only looked at the face then what about the heart? There has to be something...how should I put it? Unique about you. If we aren't careful, something might happen to you that they may not understand like your birth parents would.

Bronson: ... What are you suggesting then?

The room was filled with silence for a brief moment. He couldn't understand what was making them hesitate. Everything just seemed very confusing to him. Why did his parents have to butt into his life? They abandoned him, and yet they're still the ones making it difficult for him to leave the orphanage. Did they want him to stay there forever? Why bother leaving him in the first place? These thoughts ran through his mind nonstop. "You're over thinking again." He stopped in his train of thoughts after the interruption.

Madam Ross: Well about that...let me explain myself first before getting straight to the point. You're still very young, but even at that you're a very sharp and brilliant little lad. It's not every day we meet an 11 year old as smart as you. Keeping you here is only going to be a waist of your knowledge. You're aware that you can only attend school when you're adopted right?

Bronson: Do I need to? I've already read all the books in the library. What's the need to go to school again?

Miss Maybelle: It's impressive you read all those books, but school can go further than that. Plus they have an even bigger library than the one we have here. You can also make friends there you know. *she smiles warmly*😊

Bronson: Do I have to? 😒 It's not like making friends is gonna solve anything 🙄

Miss Maybelle: W-well...😅

Bronson: And is it a must to leave before attending school? I can just go to and from school right here. Also I can just go to the towns library if your worried about my studies, that way I won't have to go to school or even bother to meddle in other peoples business.

Madam Ross: The main point is that you have to go to school whether you like it or not, it's important you do. But to do that you have to leave the orphanage. And if you went to school from here the others could become...restless, and we can't possible cover the funds for all of you to go to school.

Bronson: ...So what you're saying is you're letting me go? I thought that can only happen when I'm 18. You...want to abandon me as well, don't you? It's just a stupid note!

Madam Ross: As stupid as this all sounds we don't seem to have many options at the moment! This is the only way to ease things, and whatever reason made your parents keep you here with that note could also happen here, so to avoid that we have to do this.

Miss Maybelle: M-madam, I still feel we should reconsider this. I mean he's only a child. He can't possibly fend for himself, more or less take care of himself.

Bronson: I can...

Miss Maybelle: Sorry?

Bronson: I can take care of myself, besides I've been doing that for a long time now, remember?

Bronson shot her a cold stare. She couldn't believe the fact that they have been leaving him to fend for himself all those years. All that time, he would try to keep a calm face behind all that chaos that surrounded him when the children mistreated him. She felt so guilty of not being able to do anything when he needed someone by his side the most.

They finally concluded their discussion, not with all bright faces though. Miss Maybelle was still the most unconformable with the situation, whereas Bronson doesn't seem to care what happens. He seems to have a reason for complying with this decision. He's deep in thought on what happens next, but of course, that won't stop him from what he really wants to know...the reason for the note. Why did his parents leave with that warning? What does the weird language mean? "Do you really think that note will us with our problem?", "For your information it will help me with my problem, and maybe explain why you're in my head always bugging me all the time." he thought. The voice scoffed at his remarks and went silent from his thoughts. He keeps staring at the note, pondering about it. He recalls Miss Maybelle's words telling him to keep it that maybe it will be useful to him one day, and who knows, maybe he can find his parents with it. He doesn't care about finding his real parents anymore. Why bother looking for people that left him alone in the first place?

...****************...

The scene shifts to a ward in a hospital. We see most of the Nannies from the orphanage are all gathered around their fellow, the nanny that got burned. She's conscious now but not happy at all. She keeps wailing and complaining about the incident that occurred nonstop.

Nanny 2: You know Sarah, none of this would have happened if you were careful and not blabbering about everything as usual.

Sarah: You're saying this is my fault!

Nanny 2: No I'm not! I'm only saying that next time you should concentrate more on your work than to gossip and complain all the time. Don't put words in my mouth.

Sarah: Well I'm not sorry Mrs. perfection. May I remind you that I wasn't the only one chatting at the time Jessica. So next time you point fingers, think about what really happened.

Nanny 3: S-she's not pointing fingers Sarah. she's only trying to look out for you, so it won't happen again.

Sarah: Last time I checked, newcomers weren't meant to be so nosy. Maybe if you didn't ask questions in the first place she wouldn't have to answer and start making me remember stupid nonsense Violet!

"So you admit that you were chatting and not paying attention to not only your work but your surroundings as well."

They all turned around to see a familiar face behind them. They notice it's the head nanny and immediately showed their respect. They are shaken at the thought that she's been standing there for a long time listening in on their conversation but they don't know how much she'd heard from them.

Miss Maybelle: It seems to me that everything Madam Ross has thought you haven't sunk in yet, has it Sarah? *gets closer*

Sarah: M-miss, it's not what you think...

She strides closer to her and gives her a quick stare before signaling them to be at ease. She reassures them that she's not there to punish them even though that's what she would have done in the first place if the situation wasn't so severe. She reprimands them for their actions and reminds them of what would happen if they were caught slacking off at work ever again. They heave a sigh of relief while also complying with her requests. She asks about Sarah's condition which the others replied that she was doing fine but that her physical appearance has been disfigured due to the chemical burns. Miss Maybelle still contemplates on how a small thing like that could cause such a big ruckus. She lets out a heavy sigh and lets her know they would try what they can to get her back on her feet.

Violet: Miss Maybelle, sorry for intruding, but I couldn't help but worry. It's about Bronson.

Sarah: *flinches*

Violet: I know I shouldn't be nosy, but I might have overheard you conversation with the Dean earlier today. Is he going to be okay?

Miss Maybelle: *sighs* I'm worried too, but there is nothing I can do about it. She's made her decision and knowing her personality she won't change her mind.

Jessica: What's going on?

Miss Maybelle: Well the Dean has decided to let him go. He's been in the orphanage for way too long, so she thinks it's best to let him live on his own. Plus he needs to attend school or else he'll be held back in his education if he was to wait till he was 18 years of age.

Jessica: But he's still a child. He can't be left out there on his own. You're his Nanny, you should have a say in the matter knowing him the longest.

Miss Maybelle: I wish I did, but what's been said can only be done now.

Jessica: But still, it doesn't make sense for him to be left all alone out there.

Sarah: Who cares if his all on his own! At least now he'll stop giving us a headache.

Violet: Sarah!

Sarah: What! Haven't you all noticed? Ever since that boy got to the orphanage we never got peace. Occasionally strange things would happen. I mean look at me now. I can't even look at myself in the mirror anymore, neither will any man want to look at my direction, I'm hideous! And I'm pretty sure it's his doing. I wouldn't be surprised if that boy is cursed. It would do us a world of good if he finally left us alone and not caused any more problems.

Jessica: Why you...

Miss Maybelle stops Jessica on her tracks and proceeds to Sarah's side. She notices her presence and dares not look at her direction.

Miss Maybelle: Is that so?

Sarah: I-I...

Miss Maybelle: I think I've figured out the problem here. It wasn't the position of the powder that caused this, neither was it the person that kept it. *grabs Sarah's face as she winces in pain* It's your stupid mouth that just can't keep shut!

Sarah: *Cowers in fear*

Miss Maybelle: May I remind you who you were handling, Chuck was it? That boy was a world of problems, and I always wondered...where on earth did that boy get such a nasty character from. Same goes to the other children that followed his lead. They were all under your care, and you dared to fill there heads with blatant nonsense. They all brought Bronson only pain and suffering in the orphanage, but what did he do? All he could do was swallow every ounce of it and never spit a word to anyone about it. You never corrected or disciplined them for their actions, instead you praised them and showered them love and affection. They always played the pity card and pretended to be innocent in the eyes of others. I'm not surprised he even got adopted considering who taught him to act like a good boy, hiding his true nature.

She intensifies her grip on Sarah which makes her shed some tears as the burns were starting to act up because of the contact it had with Miss Maybelle's skin. Others could only watch in shock from the scene as Sarah keeps crying and apologizing for her past mistakes. She begs her to let her go, but she doesn't flinch from her grip.

Miss Maybelle: If I ever find out those maggots you raised hurt Bronson ever again for being different, I'll make sure it's not just your appearance you have to worry about, not even your job would be enough for you to worry. Have I made myself clear?

Sarah: Y-yes Mam!

Miss Maybelle: Good!

She shoves her face aside and picks up some wipes to clean her hands with. She then turns to address the others, letting them know she won't be available for a while as she will be helping Bronson make arrangements to move. She entrusts Jessica to supervise everything during her absence and report back to her when she returns. They all respond to her requests. She gives Sarah a stern look before heading for the door.

Miss Maybelle: Oh and Sarah?

Sarah: *flinches* Yes Mam?

Miss Maybelle: I was thinking of helping you with your condition with some of our funds since you work with us, but since it's such a pain to look different from others, why don't you use your own money to fix yourself up. That way you get better to your own liking. 😊

Sarah: B-but... 😧

Miss Maybelle: Have a nice day. *shuts the door*

Violet: Wow! I barely see her around but now that I've seen her up close, she's scary.

Jessica: Only when you piss her off. Don't get her wrong, she's a very nice and kindhearted person when you get to know her long enough. I would advise you to watch what you say around her. I mean, you saw what happened when you know who didn't watch her tongue.

Sarah looks petrified, like she just recalled something she had forgotten for a long time. What did Miss Maybelle do to make Sarah so afraid of her? What made Miss Maybelle the way she is?

...Can you guess who lives or is going to live here?...

...----------------...