Morning soon greeted the denizens of Thelma, and the birds' chirping awakened Aly from his slumber. He lazily climbed out of his small bed and made his way to the communal restroom.
He used to dread waking up and going through this routine because it forced him to be around the other children. They were never fond of him—most avoided him as if he carried the plague.
But he had long since grown numb to their stares and whispered ramblings.
Ignoring the silence that followed his entrance, Aly hurriedly brushed his teeth, keeping his eyes down as he endured the gazes and murmurs around him. Once finished, he slipped out and made his way down the hall.
He briefly considered getting breakfast, but for once, he felt no hunger. Instead, he decided to skip both food and classes.
He had far more exciting things to attend to today.
Turning left into one of the quieter corridors, Aly stepped into a small, quaint room where the strong scent of herbs immediately overwhelmed his senses.
Before him stood a messy, cluttered desk; behind it sat a woman with brown hair, vigorously scribbling notes across a sheet of parchment. She was so absorbed in her work that she failed to notice his presence.
Awkwardly, Aly let out a soft hum to gain her attention.
It failed spectacularly.
Growing impatient, he finally spoke up.
"Sister Marie, good morning."
"Ahhh, Aly! What a pleasant surprise—you came earlier than expected," she said, looking up with a warm smile. "I was certain you would eat before coming here."
"I'm not that hungry, Sister…" he replied, his tone slightly awkward.
He had always looked forward to his mornings with Sister Marie and did his best to attend her classes whenever he could. After all, he had a small crush on her.
Her brows lifted in concern.
"The medicines aren't affecting your appetite, are they?"
"No, I just…" He hesitated. "I have some plans outside of the orphanage."
Her expression hardened.
"Skipping classes again?" she said sternly. "That's the fourth time this week. And what plans could you possibly have, Aly?"
"Not much," he replied quickly. "I'm going to the library to return a book. I'll be back before dinner—I promise."
He had to hide his actual plans at all costs.
She studied him for a long moment before sighing.
"Fine. I'll let you go out," she said reluctantly, "but only if you take the medicine again."
She stood from her desk and moved toward a cabinet, opening it carefully before retrieving a small wooden box. Inside lay a syringe and a narrow vial filled with a pale liquid.
"Come on, boy," she said gently. "Give me your arm."
Aly hesitated before extending his right arm. He hated needles to his core—and unfortunately for him, ordinary pills were no longer effective.
She carefully probed his skin, found a suitable spot, and injected the serum.
A sharp sting followed, and Aly flinched as a cool sensation spread through his arm.
"Well, since you're going to the library," she added, "can you drop this note off for me?"
She forcefully placed it in his hand before ruffling his hair.
"That sounds more like a demand than a request," Aly muttered half-sarcastically.
He turned around, opened the door, and slowly left the room.
It was finally time to return to the forest.
The streets of Thelma were nearly empty in the early morning hours, though a few merchants had begun setting up their stalls in preparation for the busy day ahead.
Aly didn't dare linger. He knew he wasn't welcome here, or anywhere outside the orphanage.
He hurried toward the main bridge connecting the marketplace to the residential district, carefully avoiding people along the way.
Upon reaching it, he didn't cross. Instead, he descended the stone steps to the riverway below, stopping before the sewage gate beneath the bridge.
He placed his hands on the rusted bars and pulled with all his strength. With a loud thud, the gate finally gave way.
He slipped into the sewers, moving forward as the stench and humidity assaulted his senses. No matter how many times he used this route, he never grew accustomed to it.
Eventually, the tunnel split—one path veering right, the other left.
Without hesitation, he turned left and quickened his pace until the tunnel opened once more. Sunlight and fresh air greeted him, washing over his senses.
He stepped outside and took in the sight of the forest.
This had been his sanctuary since he was eight—a place he had discovered by sheer luck.
Somewhere, he went whenever he had to retreat from the orphanage.
He inhaled deeply, savoring the quiet calm, before venturing deeper into the trees with practiced confidence. He was, after all, a regular here.
Following his usual route, Aly eventually stopped before a small cave hidden among the roots and stones.
He was here to visit his closest friend.
"Sylphie, I'm back!" he called out, excitement clear in his voice.
After a few moments, a small black pup cautiously emerged from the cave. Its yellow eyes scanned the surroundings before settling on Aly. The wolf cub tilted its head—then suddenly sprinted toward him, jumping into his open arms.
The pup was clearly affectionate toward Aly; how could she not be, after he had freed her from a snare in the woods and spared her a dreadful fate.
Sylphie was unusually intelligent for a wild animal. She had always been strangely reciprocal toward him—to the point where she seemed to sense his emotions. Whenever Aly felt down, she would do small, amusing things just to cheer him up.
"Truly," Aly said softly, holding the fluffy pup close, "a dog really is man's best friend."
Sylphie looked up towards him before licking his face, causing him to giggle.
"And it looks like you agree with me."He said, smiling aloofly.
Holding the pup in his arms, he finally entered the cave.
**Aly's pov**
The cave was dark and damp, and I could feel the humidity making me sweat. I really hated the humidity in this cave, but there was nothing I could do about it.
I gently set Sylphie down and motioned for her to follow. She padded along beside me as we moved deeper into the cave, the faint sound of flowing water growing clearer with every step.
The tunnel gradually narrowed, the walls pressing closer until I had to angle my shoulders to pass. Then, without warning, the passage opened up.
I stepped into a wide, circular cavern.
The cavern was quite particular and unnatural; it was dimly lit by numerous faintly glowing mushrooms growing near its edges and even some mushrooms dotting the walls.
The pale blue light coming from the mushrooms reflected onto the cavern's wall, casting a strange blueish tint throughout the cave.
In the middle of the cavern was perhaps the most unnatural part of the cave, as a tree grew peacefully, its leaves an unnatural bluish color, as if it were directly absorbing the light from the mushrooms surrounding it.
And finally, at the outer corners of the cavern, a small, gentle stream wound its way through, the sound of the water echoing softly.
I took in my surroundings, enjoying the peaceful sounds, before I caught Sylphie sneaking past me, watching her make her way to the tree, until she finally sat down on her paws.
It seemed like someone was tired of walking. I could hardly blame her, though; my feet were sore as well from the walking I did today.
I finally made my way towards her and sat down next to her, my back leaning against the tree.
"It won't be too long before I have my ceremony," I said aloud.
"I wonder if my life could change."
"Could I perhaps finally find a place in society?"
I could feel Sylphie stare directly at me as I continued on my ramblings.
"If I awakened, could I finally have a house?"
"Imagine that, Sylphie, you wouldn't even have to live in this dreadful cave anymore."
She let out a playful whimper, her tail wagging in agreement with my words.
I could no longer wait; I really had to awaken.
To change our fate so that we can live in a peaceful future far away from the harmful eyes of others.