Ji-ho's Story [Part One]

My earliest memory was of me at the front steps of an orphanage.

It was late at night. I had been standing in front of the doors, alone, under the chilling moonlight. Wearing a dirty shirt and ripped pants, the cold air nipped my exposed skin. I can remember hugging myself, trying to keep myself warm.

How did I end up here? Where was this place?

There was no person in sight. All I could see was the darkness and the faint glow of the moonlight.

Finally, after shivering in the cold for hours, I was found. A women quickly brought me into the building, wrapping a blanket around my body. The other adults in the room quickly ran deeper into the halls, coming back with a medical kit.

"You're freezing. Are you okay?"

I stared at her.

She grabbed both of my hands. "Why aren't you speaking? It's okay. You are safe with us. I promise."

I answered with silence.