Chereads / Awakening: Ascendance / Chapter 2 - New Dawn

Chapter 2 - New Dawn

A cold splash of water on his face brought him back to the present, a sharp contrast to the lingering unease of the nightmare. As he dried his face, Ahiro decided to make the most of the day that lay ahead.

Before the sun had a chance to break through the horizon, Ahiro slipped into a pair of comfortable running shoes, his fingers dancing over the laces. His old, well-worn sneakers had seen countless early morning jogs, and they were a testament to his commitment to fitness. The worn soles of the shoes had molded to the shape of his feet, providing the perfect balance of support and comfort.

Quietly, he slipped out of the common bathroom silently closing the door behind him, careful not to disturb the other residents of the orphanage. The corridors were dimly lit, illuminated only by the soft glow of emergency lights. The other children slept peacefully, oblivious to Ahiro's early morning ritual.

As he stepped outside, the chill of the pre-dawn air enveloped him like a familiar embrace. Ahiro took a deep breath, relishing the sharp scent of dew-drenched grass and the faint aroma of street food vendors preparing for the day ahead.

His jog led him through the winding streets, each step a rhythmic beat against the pavement. The streets were a curious blend of architectural styles, a testament to the area's rich history. On one corner, a modern skyscraper towered overhead, its sleek glass façade reflecting the dim light of the street lamps. On the next, an old brick building stood with a timeless charm, its façade adorned with ivy that had crept up over the years.

Ahiro's route took him past a park, where the outlines of playground equipment were shrouded in darkness. It was a place of joyful memories, just like the park in which he used to play with his parents before that fateful day. A tinge of melancholy washed over him as he jogged past, his steps quickening to dispel the haunting thoughts.

The city was a different world in these early hours, a sanctuary of solitude before the daily bustle began. Above, the sky was a canvas of deep blue, still adorned with stars that twinkled like distant memories. Ahiro marveled at the sight, finding solace in the quiet beauty of the pre-dawn sky.

As he continued his jog, the urban landscape shifted once again. He passed by a series of street vendors setting up their stalls, the sizzle of grills and the aroma of street food filling the air. The vendors greeted him with nods and smiles, recognizing the young jogger who frequented their streets before sunrise.

His jog led him through the neighborhood's winding streets. He marveled at the way the past and the future coexisted, old houses nestled between towering skyscrapers adorned with holographic displays.

Finally, he arrived at his destination—a quaint bakery with a name that echoed simplicity and tradition: "Stella's Delights." The bakery was a charming combination of old-style architecture and holographic displays that showcased the day's freshly baked treats.

Pushing the door open, Ahiro was greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. The bakery was a treasure trove of baked goods, its shelves lined with an assortment of pastries and loaves. At the counter stood Aunt Stella, the warm and welcoming owner of the shop. Her graying hair was tied in a neat bun, and her eyes sparkled with kindness as she saw Ahiro.

"Ah, Ahiro, my early bird," she greeted with a smile. "Back from your morning routine?"

Ahiro returned the smile, his heart lightening at the familiar sight. "Yes, Aunt Stella. Just trying to make the most of the morning."

"Well, you're always welcome here," Aunt Stella said, her voice carrying a touch of motherly affection. "Come on start helping this old woman, the bread would not be prepared without you doing nothing."

"Yes Yes Aunty I will do my best as always." ahiro said laughing at the same dialogue that Aunty repeated every morning.

As Aunt Stella retreated to the front of the shop, Ahiro moved to the work area. His fingers danced over the old-style machinery that still held its place alongside holographic interfaces. One machine was dedicated to kneading the dough, while another was responsible for baking the bread to perfection.

He followed Aunt Stella's handwritten instructions, adding the ingredients to the dough as the machine whirred to life. The rhythmic hum of the machinery, combined with the fragrance of baking bread, created a soothing symphony that eased his mind. Ahiro relished the simplicity of this task, a welcome break from the complexities of his life.

Once the dough was ready, he moved it to the baking machine and set the timer. With practiced ease, he cleaned his workspace and tidied up the front of the shop, arranging the displays for the day ahead.

As he straightened, Aunt Stella returned, her hands holding a freshly baked loaf of bread. She handed it to Ahiro with a twinkle in her eyes. "Here you go, a special treat for you."

Ahiro's heart swelled with gratitude as he accepted the loaf. "Thank you, Aunt Stella. You really didn't have to."

She chuckled softly. "Nonsense, Ahiro. Take it with you, and don't let any of it go to waste."

As he prepared to leave the shop, Ahiro felt a mixture of emotions. Aunt Stella's kindness was a reminder that he wasn't alone in his struggles. She understood the challenges he faced and offered her support in the small ways she could.

Stepping outside into the crisp morning air, Ahiro clutched the loaf of bread close to his chest. The sun was still a promise on the horizon, and the city around him began to stir with the first signs of awakening. The orphanage, with its constant shortage of funds, loomed in his thoughts.

The caretakers, who selflessly spent their own salaries to provide for the children, had shown Ahiro that responsibility transcended age. He had made the decision to start working part-time jobs after turning ten, determined to contribute and alleviate some of the burden.

As he walked back to the orphanage, the first rays of dawn began to paint the sky in hues of pink and orange. Ahiro's heart was light, his resolve stronger than ever. The world around him may have been marked by uncertainty, but he was determined to be a steady force for those who depended on him.

As Ahiro neared the government-run orphanage after his morning jog and bakery visit, he couldn't help but take in the outer appearance of the place that had been his home for years. The building stood as a testament to both time and neglect. Its once-pristine façade, painted in a faded shade of cream, bore the marks of countless seasons and urban pollution. Cracks snaked up the walls, and some of the windows were patched with haphazardly applied sealant.

Despite the signs of wear and tear, the orphanage retained a sense of dignity and resilience. The main entrance, flanked by a pair of weathered stone pillars, exuded an air of quiet strength. Flowering vines, carefully tended by one of the caretakers, clung to the walls, injecting a touch of color and life into the otherwise austere exterior.

As Ahiro approached the entrance, he couldn't help but reflect on the reality of the orphanage's condition. The caretakers did their best to provide for the children, The funds allocated by the government were meager at best, and the building's aged appearance bore witness to the financial struggles the orphanage faced.

With a resigned sigh, Ahiro reached the main door that guarded the entrance. The wooden door was attached to the walls with a metal frame. He paused for a moment, allowing his fingers to hover over the fingerprint scanner embedded in the doorframe.

Each child's fingerprint was recorded in the system, a measure to ensure that only authorized individuals could access the premises. Ahiro pressed his index finger against the cool surface, feeling the slight vibration as the scanner recognized his identity.

With a soft beep, the heavy metal door swung open, revealing the dimly lit interior of the orphanage. The transition from the bustling city streets to the quiet, orderly corridors of the orphanage was always a stark one. Ahiro stepped inside, the door closing behind him with a soft thud.