Shadow of an orphan

The police never found a clue. My uncle tried his best to make me happy, but nothing worked. The memories haunted me, especially since it all happened on my birthday.

Years passed, and by the time I turned sixteen, my uncle had already passed away—four years after that horrific night, taken by cancer. I was left completely alone… no friends, no family, nothing.

I had no choice but to rely on myself. I found a job at a restaurant, working as a waiter, sometimes even cleaning the filthy bathrooms. The pay was low, but I accepted it.

At the same time, I focused on my education. I attended a free public school and studied as much as I could—I was an excellent student.

But I was always an outcast. Always bullied. Sometimes, the harassment escalated to beatings, yet I remained silent. There was nothing I could do.

On a warm night…

I returned home, exhausted from a long shift at the restaurant. I threw myself onto the bed, my body aching. My thoughts drifted back to that night eight years ago—my parents' murder, the gang that attacked them. Who were they? Why did they do it?

I grabbed my phone and called Lord Cromer.

"Did you find anything?" I asked.

"No, son," he sighed. "There's no trace of them. You need to let this go."

My grip on the phone tightened. My voice shook with anger.

"If the police can't find them, then who will? This government is useless."

I ended the call before he could reply. My mind raced.

"Why? Why am I so useless?"

"I couldn't protect my parents. I can't even protect myself."

At that moment, something inside me snapped. My life had taken a dark turn—from a cheerful boy surrounded by family to a lonely, broken soul who never got to live his childhood.

Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling down my cheeks. I grabbed my bag and stepped outside. The rain had begun to fall.