Riya looked at Chad, concern evident in her eyes, and gently asked, "Chad, where do you live?"
Chad's face brightened with a sense of pride as he responded, "I live at the orphanage at the end of the slums, near the Mystique Forest." His voice carried a hint of determination, showcasing his ability to find joy despite the circumstances.
Noticing the sun slowly descending on the horizon, Riya's voice exuded warmth as she said, "The day is coming to a close. Avalon, why don't you hop onto my back?" Avalon, always up for an adventure, grinned and eagerly climbed onto Riya's back without hesitation.
Extending her hand toward Chad, Riya continued, "Let's walk together. I'll accompany you to the orphanage." Holding Chad's hand, they made their way towards the orphanage. The building itself was worn and weathered, but the sound of children playing, laughing, and bickering filled the air. The children, dressed in threadbare clothes, made the most of what they had. Some engaged in imaginary sword fights using a worn-out and nearly broken VR set. Despite their modest circumstances, they were finding joy in their simple games.
As they approached the orphanage, Chad's face lit up with a mix of excitement and familiarity. Avalon bid him farewell.
With a cheerful wave of his hand, Avalon said, "Bye-bye, Chad!"
Chad swung his hand and replied with a smile.
Chad: "Bye!"
Riya returned home with Avalon, cooked him dinner, and tucked him into bed. She took his ruined uniform knowing the value of even the smallest acts of love she went into the city to get it repaired, which took her until midnight to complete.
The next day at school, during lunchtime, Chad approached Avalon with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. "Avi, I want to show you something fun. Do you want to come after school?" Chad asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Avalon curiously replied, "Okay, but can you at least tell me what it is?"
Chad grinned, his excitement evident he teased "Nope, it's a surprise!"
Defeated Avalon said, "Fine!.. But have this pastry first. Mom made it for you".
Chad took the pastry, grateful for Avalon's thoughtfulness.
After school, he led Avalon on a 30-minute walk behind an abandoned house. As they reached their destination, Chad pointed towards a sizable iron dustbin positioned against a wall his eyes gleaming like a playful puppy.
Avalon, peering at his friend's beaming expression, couldn't help but think, "He's like a big puppy, just waiting to stick his tongue out."
Chad: "This is the fun thing I told you about!"
With a touch of skepticism, Avalon questioned, "This is the 'fun thing' you wanted to show me?" His words tinged with mild disbelief, doubting the allure of a dirty dustbin.
Chad remained undeterred, with his grin widening he said, "Yes, let's go! Trust me, it'll be worth it."
Avalon hesitated, inspecting the dirty dustbin he said, "No, I'm not going inside that dirty dustbin. Do you want me to get in trouble with my mom?"
Chad assured Avalon, "No, Avi, it's not what you think. This is my secret space. Come inside, and you'll understand." Climbing onto a nearby box, Chad lifted the lid of the dustbin and hopped inside, disappearing from view.
Curiosity got the better of Avalon, and he followed suit, jumping into the dustbin.
To his surprise, Chad was nowhere to be found. Concerned, Avalon looked around and saw a hole in the dustbin leading through the wall. He couldn't see anything inside, but he heard Chad's voice calling out to him.
"Avalon, come on in! You won't believe what's here!"
Curiously he stepped inside, little did he know that what lay before his eyes would leave him utterly astounded.