The Echo of Forgotten Dreams

The Unspoken Truth

The morning sunlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the table where Wei Wuxian, Lan Xichen, and Lan Wangji sat together. Wei Wuxian had finally settled into a more relaxed pace, enjoying the breakfast prepared with care by his hosts. He was still getting used to the comfort and stability that Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji offered him, but there was a lingering weight in his heart—a weight he knew he could no longer carry alone.

As the conversation drifted, Wei Wuxian glanced down at his plate, the familiarity of the food bringing both comfort and a pang of sadness. He had never been one to share much about his past, his struggles often locked away behind a façade of resilience. But as he looked at the two men who had shown him so much kindness, he felt a deep need to open up.

He cleared his throat, his voice trembling slightly. "There's something I need to tell you both."

Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji looked at him, their expressions attentive and concerned. "What is it, Wei Wuxian?" Lan Xichen asked gently.

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his napkin. "You've been so kind to me, and I've been trying to adjust to everything here. But I think you deserve to know... where I'm coming from."

Lan Wangji's gaze remained steady, his attention fully on Wei Wuxian. "You can tell us anything."

Wei Wuxian nodded, drawing strength from their support. "When I was five years old, my parents died in a car accident. It was sudden, and my entire world changed overnight."

Lan Xichen's eyes softened with sympathy, while Lan Wangji's expression remained neutral but concerned.

"I was taken in by relatives initially, but it didn't work out. They weren't prepared to care for me, and eventually, I was put into foster care. That wasn't stable either. I moved from place to place, never really feeling like I belonged anywhere."

Wei Wuxian paused, trying to steady his emotions. "When I was ten, I was adopted by the Jang family. They were kind, and for a while, it felt like I had a home. But things weren't perfect. Madam Yu... she didn't like me very much. She didn't teach me to read or write, and I had to hide that I couldn't read or write from everyone."

Lan Xichen's eyes widened in concern. "That must have been incredibly hard."

Wei Wuxian nodded, a bitter smile touching his lips. "It was. I learned to survive on my own, to find ways to get by without drawing attention. I managed to hide it well enough, but it was always a struggle. I was always afraid that if people knew, they'd think I was less capable."

Lan Wangji's brow furrowed with a mix of sadness and anger. "You shouldn't have had to endure that alone."

Wei Wuxian continued, his voice gaining strength as he spoke. "When I turned sixteen, I decided to emancipate myself. I wanted to be free of the constraints and find my path. I started working at the diner, trying to save up for school and a better future. But it's been tough. I've had to live on the streets, or in shelters because I can't afford an apartment."

Lan Xichen leaned forward, his expression filled with compassion. "You've been through so much. No wonder you're struggling to let go of old habits."

Wei Wuxian nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's hard to trust that things can be different now. I'm used to taking care of myself, always being on guard. I've been trying to make the best of it, but I didn't expect anyone to care this much."

Lan Wangji's gaze was steady, his voice firm. "You don't have to be on guard anymore. You have a place here, and we're here for you. We want to help you succeed."

Lan Xichen's voice was gentle but reassuring. "You're not alone in this, Wei Wuxian. We'll help you get through this. You deserve to be supported and cared for."

Wei Wuxian's heart swelled with emotion, overwhelmed by the kindness and acceptance he was receiving. He had always believed that he was destined to face his challenges alone, that opening up would only lead to disappointment. But here, with Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, he felt a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in years.

"Thank you," Wei Wuxian said softly, his voice trembling. "I didn't know how much I needed this until now."

Lan Xichen smiled warmly, while Lan Wangji placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're welcome, Wei Wuxian. And remember, we're here for you, no matter what."

As the conversation continued, the warmth of the room and the genuine care from the Lan brothers began to melt away the icy barriers Wei Wuxian had built around his heart. He realized that, for the first time in a long time, he had found a place where he could truly be himself—a place where he was valued and cared for.