Episode 1, The Orphanage

The soft hum of the air conditioning was the only sound that permeated the otherwise still room.

Takumi Tsurugi sat in the far corner of the common room at the “Shinshu Children's Home” in a small Japanese town. The room was adorned with bright murals and the occasional stuffed toy, yet it felt more like a museum of forgotten dreams than a place of warmth.

Takumi, a twelve-year-old with somber eyes and an aura of detachment, stared at the worn tatami mat beneath him. His small hands were clasped together in his lap, and his legs were pulled up to his chest. Despite the lively chatter and occasional laughter of the other children, Takumi remained isolated, seemingly enveloped in a cocoon of silence. His dark hair fell messily over his forehead, and his clothes, though clean, looked slightly too big for his thin frame.

The heavy wooden door of the room creaked open, drawing Takumi’s gaze for a fleeting moment before he returned to his solitary contemplation. The caregiver, Mrs. Yamada, walked in with her usual brisk efficiency. Her expression was one of practiced warmth, but a hint of weariness lingered in her eyes.

Following her, a distinguished-looking couple entered. The man, Mr. Fujimoto, wore a tailored suit and exuded an air of quiet authority. His wife, Mrs. Fujimoto, was elegantly dressed in a pastel blouse and skirt, her demeanor exuding kindness and maternal love.

Mrs. Fujamoto’s gaze swept across the room, scanning the various children who were engaged in different activities. They looked up curiously at the newcomers, their faces alight with the possibility of change. However, Mrs. Fujimoto’s attention was drawn to Takumi almost immediately. She approached him, her eyes softening with concern.

“Is this one available for adoption?” she asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and a gentle, maternal edge.

Mrs. Yamada hesitated, her gaze flickering to Takumi and then back to the couple. “Yes, he is,” she said, her voice betraying a note of caution. “But I must warn you, Takumi is a special case.”

The Fujimotos exchanged a glance. Mr. Fujimoto cleared his throat. “What do you mean by that?”

Mrs. Yamada sighed deeply, the lines on her face deepening as she chose her words carefully. “Takumi... he doesn’t associate much with the other children. He’s experienced a lot of trauma in his past and has trouble communicating. He keeps to himself and... well, he’s not the easiest child to connect with.”

Mrs. Fujimoto knelt down to Takumi’s level, her expression one of empathy. She extended a hand toward him. “Hello, Takumi. I’m Mrs. Fujimoto. We’re here to meet you because we think you’re very special.”

Takumi’s gaze met hers briefly, his eyes reflecting a mix of caution and curiosity. He didn’t move, his silence palpable.

“We understand that he’s had a difficult past,” Mr. Fujimoto said, his tone resolute. “But we’re prepared to offer him a loving home. We believe he deserves a chance.”

Mrs. Yamada looked conflicted. “I understand your intentions, but you should be aware that integrating him into a new environment might be challenging. He’s had a lot of difficulty with... emotional stability.”

Mrs. Fujimoto shook her head gently. “We’re aware of the challenges. We’ve done this before, and we’re committed to helping him through any difficulties. If he’s willing, we’re ready to provide the support he needs.”

With a resigned sigh, Mrs. Yamada nodded. “Very well. If you’re sure, then we’ll proceed with the adoption.”

The paperwork was quickly arranged, and the process, though hurried, was conducted with the gravity of its significance. The Fujimotos signed the final documents, their signatures formalizing Takumi’s transition from the orphanage to their home. Mrs. Yamada handed over a folder containing Takumi’s personal records, and Takumi was given a small, hand-me-down suitcase.

As Takumi’s name was officially changed to Takumi Fujimoto, he glanced up, his eyes betraying a flicker of uncertainty but also a glimmer of hope. The Fujimotos, now his new family, gently guided him toward the door. The transition was abrupt, but in the quiet, Takumi found himself caught between the familiarity of the orphanage and the unknown future that awaited him.

As they left the Shinshu Children's Home, the once somber atmosphere of the orphanage seemed to recede behind them. The world outside was different from the one Takumi had known—a world full of possibilities and challenges.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***