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.
