She Who Seemed Heartless

Introduction

Through the silk curtains did the bright sun rays trespassed their way in. Said lights were the instruments used to break Armin Arlert off of his pleasant sleep. Cerulean pair were exposed as soon as his eyelids lifted up halfway, a sign that he is still in a trance. Placed on his wooden study table were mindboggling pieces of paper, piles or not, scattered about — all of which are related to human studies. Armin dreams of becoming a psychologist, and is determined to pursue said goal no matter what happens. With his quick cognitive capacities, his goal in life does not adjudge itself unattainable. However, one thing seems to bother his mind rather constantly, and it makes him end up in a quicksand of depression — money. Yes, financial needs. The Arlert family were never blessed with anything materialistic that they want but what they need. Basic necessities were their only companions, and their camaraderie proved itself loyal in their 16 years of living together as a family. Despite their material insufficiency, the three held strong bonds, vowing each other that they will remain as one, albeit the hardship. And indeed, they have lived up to it.

After a whole minute of gawking at the monstrous group of papers, Armin finally lifted his body up from the bed. A bed... A thing that he has been longing to lie on and is able to do so only now. Gentle palm met gentle fabric accompanied by a smile. Such a nice material can never be his - yes, he is allowed on it but will never become his property. The room he is in, the curtain, the windows, the floor — all are not his. Right now, Armin distanced himself three cities from his hometown passable by train. He had to live with his aunt and uncle, for free, to pursue his ambition more. Although the couple were kind enough to let their nephew stay until he finishes college, Armin is not free of the chores that he has to lend a hand on. Rina and Albert, the couple, are not mostly present in their own residence because of their respective jobs; as a branch manager of a clothing company and as a head chef of a five-star restaurant. Indeed, they have lived a life of luxury yet behind the fortune, they were never blessed with a child. And so they accepted Armin under their wings whole-heartedly in hopes of finally earning an experience on having a child.

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"Good morning", the blond uttered, fingertips gently brushing onto the picture frame glass that displays and protects the only picture he had of him and his parents. His sky blue eyes were darkened upon losing their resplendence by the memory — the only memory — he brought with him. Due to his schedule, Armim lacks every possible minute he may save up to pay a visit to his parents. If there is a chance, however, mostly vacation and holidays, he would drop by his hometown and stay there until time runs out.

Sighing, he stepped out of his room and off he goes to the ample space that is the living room. Two hours more until class starts and Armin, despite his meek aspect, is quick on his feet to get ready. From the kitchen, his uncle called out. "Armin, we're having poutine today!"

"Canadian dish?"

Albert jolted a nod. "Are you okay with that?"

"Of course! I'm not really picky when it comes to food", came the reply.

As to how he spends his every morning, Armin has nothing on hand except for a book about human behaviour. Included there were different types of traits, characteristics and behaviours, how to identify them, variety and sections of behaviour identifications and more. Such complicated subjects for such a young mind but Armin will not allow his dream to be all for naught.

He noticed a lack of another person's vicinity not long after and opened up the topic. "Where's aunt?"

"She already went to work," Albert responded as he prepares the meal on the table while humming, which stopped after something came into memory. "By the way, we're planning on getting another child."

Armin's eyes rose from the book to his uncle. "Adoption?"

"How does it feel like having a sibling?", Armin thought to himself.

With that stated, the young man was and has been an only child, and the fact that his aunt and uncle wasn't able to bear any offspring has lead Armin to lack of sibling love. Such is the reason as to why he grew a habit of interacting with people in school and make friends with them. To at least experience how to be a teenager. He has been in adult care for as long as he can remember. He had no one to play with when he was younger so he spent his time reading books, thus his high intelligence. However, he is undergoing the teenage years.

And the teenage stage of life is where most of the diversities in life are witnessed. Oh how he wished to have an acquaintance, a friend.

A sibling. Or a cousin would do. Oh how Armin can't help but feel galvanized on the thought of having such a close family member, as if they were both intertwined with the same blood and flesh.