Lost and Found

chapter-1

Dylan Reid stood at the gates of Greenwood Orphanage, his dark, straight hair raven-colored and tousled from the wind. His sharp, brown-black eyes scanned the grounds with curiosity and apprehension, taking in the sights and sounds of his new home.

Just a few months ago, Dylan had been living a seemingly ordinary life with his family in a small house on the outskirts of town. But one fateful night, their world was shattered by the roar of flames and the piercing wail of smoke alarms.

As the fire raged through their home, consuming everything in its path, Dylan was jolted awake by the shrill sound of the alarm. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he sprang into action, his instincts kicking in as he fought to save himself and his loved ones.

In the chaos that ensued, Dylan managed to escape the inferno. But as he looked back at the burning wreckage of his home, he realized with a sinking heart that his parents and two younger sisters were still trapped inside.

The days that followed were a slur of grief and disbelief as Dylan grappled with the devastating loss of his family. He found himself alone in the world with no other relatives to turn to, forced to confront a bleak and uncertain future.

And so, with a heavy heart and a sense of profound sorrow, Dylan made his way to Greenwood Orphanage—the only refuge he had left in a world torn apart by tragedy.

As he stepped through the gates, Dylan was greeted by volunteers bustling about, tending to various tasks around the orphanage grounds. "Welcome to Greenwood, Dylan!" one of the volunteers called out, offering him a warm smile. "We're so glad to have you here."

"Thanks," Dylan replied, returning the smile as he followed the volunteer towards the main building.

Inside, the atmosphere was bustling with activity. Children of all ages roamed the halls, their laughter echoing off the walls as they played games and chatted. "Hey there, new kid!" called out a boy with a mischievous grin, bounding up to Dylan. "I'm Santiago, but everyone calls me Santi. Welcome to Greenwood!"

"Nice to meet you, Santi," Dylan replied, returning the greeting. He felt a sense of relief at the friendly welcome and was grateful for the chance to make a new friend.

After a brief orientation with the staff, Dylan was shown to his room—a simple yet cozy space that would serve as his sanctuary in the coming days. As he unpacked his belongings and settled in, he couldn't figure out his emotions, whether or not he was happy to be known. 

As evening fell, Dylan went downstairs to the dining hall, where the other children gathered for dinner. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, and Dylan's stomach rumbled in anticipation as he sat at one of the tables.

"Hey, Dylan! Over here!" said Santi, waving him to join the group. Dylan smiled and made his way over, feeling a sense of belonging as he settled in amongst his new friends.

But just as Dylan began to settle into his new surroundings, a hush fell over the room, and all eyes turned towards the entrance. Standing in the doorway, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, was a figure that sent a shiver down Dylan's spine. It was Asher Bennett, a name whispered in hushed tones amongst the children of Greenwood Orphanage. His sudden return sent a ripple of unease through the room, and Dylan couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as he watched Asher's gaze sweep over the assembled children.

And then, their eyes met—a fleeting moment of connection created an unfamiliar sense of worry in Dylan's chest. In that instant, he knew that his arrival at Greenwood Orphanage had set a chain of events that would change their lives.

As Asher Bennett stepped into the orphanage, a full backpack hanging from one shoulder and rolling luggage in tow, a wave of excitement rippled through the room. His wavy blond ash-colored hair caught the light, framing his face in a halo of golden hues as he greeted the children with a perfect smile.