NAME: Unknown
Author: Sassydagger
Editor: IAmGhost
…
My name is Telma Archford, son of duke Alfonce and Emile Archford.
I don't know why but since the age of 3, I had a very good memory. That is, I don't forget anything I see. I thought this was a blessing and abused the heck out of it. I began reading every book I came across until I could no more.
Also, for some strange reason, I couldn't smile or cry even when I got hurt. Don't get me wrong, it hurts like hell but I still don't cry or anything of the sort, and even when I try, am unable to so I stopped but every day I still wonder how it feels.
At the age of 5, my dad fell in love with another woman and threw us out after re-marrying.
My mom was a commoner with a beautiful face and was still very young so it wasn't hard for her to find a rich lover. I didn't care but then she went and dump in the slumps as she got married to the man.
Strangely, I didn't hate any of them, I wasn't angry or sad instead I felt ok with it, haha I must be the most abnormal child, feels good to have a title of my own. Thinking this way I realized that there's only one word to describe how I feel, 'hungry'
…
Telma's stomach grumbled loudly. It had been 2 days that he hadn't eaten a thing, he looked pale, and his eyes were bloodshot as he sat lifelessly next to a pile of dirt as though awaiting death.
Hours passed by and nothing changed when suddenly, he heard the sound of footsteps. He opened his eyes and looked in the direction of the sound and noticed the boy coming his way. He looked almost the same age as him if not a little older.
He stood before Telma and asked with an annoyed voice "what's a rich brat like you doing here?"
Telma figured the boy thought he was rich since he was still wearing his noble clothes, he thought for a while and decided to answer as he had nothing more to lose "I was dumped by my parents"
Hearing this, the boy had a satisfied smile on his face as he said "so they also dump rich kids huh. Hah, serves you right"
Telma stared at him and said, "I know you don't like me, could you at least try to hide it?"
"You see, I don't like rich kids because they were born with a golden spoon in their mouth"
"Ok, then leave"
"I said I hated rich kids, not dumped kids" he rolled his eyes before removing a stale piece of bread from his pocket and giving it to Telma, who without hesitation ate it.
"Holy shit, were you even a rich kid?"
"Haha very funny, jokes on you. I'd rather die eating this than die of hunger"
"So what you gonna do now?"
Telma looked at him before standing and said with a monotone face "at first, I just wanted to lie here and die but after seeing someone like you, I've changed my mind. Come on, follow me"
With that, he walked away.
The boy looked at him go then shouted "hey, why should I follow you!?"
Telma stopped and said "because you're an idiot and I'm sure the bread you gave me was your meal so if you don't follow me, you'll surely die of hunger"
"And where will you get the food from?"
"*sigh* are you dumb or something? I'm going to sell my clothes. I believe they'll sell for much and we'll be able to get a month's worth of food. Also, I'm going to be living in the slumps might as well get something slumps worthy don't wanna attract thieves now"
Hearing this, the boy immediately dragged Telma to a clothing shop that was nearby.
…
In the shop, Telma could be seen negotiating the price while the slumps boy stood there, unable to understand a thing.
Soon, Telma walked out of the shop, 5 gold coins in hand and a new pair of simple clothes while the slumps boy walked side by side with him.
That evening, they both ate to their fill as they sat in a dark corner.
While lying on the ground, Telma decided to strike up a conversation
"Hey, what's your name?" He asked
"From what I heard, my name is Elden"
"Do you have a dream?"
"Strange question but yes. I want to be the strongest person in the kingdom" he said sparkles in his eyes.
"Big dreams for someone who can't read and write"
"How do you know that!?"
"Yeah, I saw your face in the shop and it was clear, you were clueless"
'Damn my facial expression' Elden thought while Telma continued with a serious voice "if you want, I can make your dreams come true but I have a condition"
Elden looked at him differently as he asked "and what's that condition?"
"Let me share your dream"
"HUH!?? What do you mean?"
"You see I don't have a dream and everywhere I go, I meet people with dreams which motivates them to move forward. So I thought if it's so hard to get one then might as well share one"
Elden looked at him and thought "I don't know why but every time I hear his voice, it screams loneliness" but for some reason, he felt comfortable while talking to him.
The night was long as they conversed about various stuff before they both fell asleep.
Telma got up the next day early and dragged Elden out as they headed to the forest.
----- THE END -----
// Author note
And with this, I've posted all the 4 extra chapters. Though I had to rush it all cuz yesterday I worked as a corporate slave, thank god I just had to copy it here.
They're all pretty short but hey that's why it's called side story.