Favored by God

Dream Pov

The sound of desperate pleading echoed through the darkness. "Please don't, please I'm sorry, please... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please don't." Ryan's stuttering, tear-filled voice trembled with fear.

Kai's Perspective

Knock. Knock. Knock.

I jolted awake, my body drenched in a cold sweat, heart racing with an inexplicable anxiety. Ms. Clementine was calling me down for breakfast, but something lingered at the edge of my consciousness—a dream, perhaps? I couldn't quite remember.

Shaking off the unsettling feeling, I decided not to dwell on it. As I opened my door to head downstairs, a sudden crash interrupted my thoughts. I had collided with someone, sending them tumbling to the floor.

Peering around the door to see who it was I saw Rowan lying there holding his head in pain "Rowan, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?."

Rowan looked up briefly, his eyes immediately darting away. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," he mumbled so quietly I could barely hear him.

"Are you sure? I swung the door pretty hard," I pressed, concerned.

He hurried past me, muttering, "I'm fine."

As I watched him retreat, I couldn't help but notice how strange Rowan was. He never made eye contact, rarely spoke unless directly addressed, and seemed to play with the other children more out of obligation than enjoyment.

During breakfast, I found my gaze drawn to Rowan. He ate in silence, never looking up from his plate, reinforcing my observations from earlier.

These thoughts continued to occupy my mind during my personal lessons with Ms. Clementine. Unable to contain my curiosity, I asked her directly, "Ms. Clementine, why is Rowan the way he is?"

"What do you mean?" she responded, seeming to carefully choose her words.

"Well, he never speaks, or looks people in the eye, or seems to be enjoying himself."

After a moment of contemplation, Ms. Clementine sat beside me. "Kai, as you know, this is an orphanage for children without parents. Some of these children have lost their parents recently or through incredibly traumatic experiences. When they first arrive, they're still processing their grief."

The realization hit me like a wave. In my excitement about my new life, I had completely forgotten why these children were here. Feeling deeply ashamed, I apologized, "I'm sorry, miss. I didn't even think about that."

Ms. Clementine pulled me into a warm embrace. "It's okay, Kai. You meant well. Just try to be more sensitive."

As she hugged me, a profound realization struck me—the last time I had been hugged was by my mother, almost ten years ago. A single tear traced down my cheek, and I fought hard to maintain my composure.

Later, during the main class, we discussed our futures and aspirations. Maya declared she would become the strongest fire user in the world. Micah wanted to be a royal knight at the capitol. When asked, Rowan could only stammer, "I- I don't know."

When it was my turn I realized I hadn't thought about my future here at all. I've been too busy enjoying what I have right now, so I answered as honestly as I could: "I... I want to keep having fun for as long as possible."

The class erupted in laughter, but to me, it was my deepest truth.

After class it was time to clean, While doing chores I saw Rowan and realized I still couldn't get him off my mind. Even if it doesn't do anything or if I don't have to I feel Like I need to say something to him, I approached Rowan, who was dusting alone. Nervously, I said, "H-hey, Rowan."

He turned, responding with a curt "Hi."

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry," I continued. "This might not be my place to say but I know what you're going through is hard. It feels like there's a hole in your chest that will never be filled. And honestly, it never will be. But that's okay because eventually, you'll learn to live with that hole and even be happy again. It will take a while, but I promise it will get better."

I patted his back, unsure if my words truly reached him as at the end of day he was still an 8 year old boy. But then I saw silent tears streaming down his face.

As the day concluded and bedtime approached, I reflected on our discussion about the future. If it were up to me, I would stay here, playing with these people forever.

With that thought, I drifted off to sleep, a smile playing on my lips.