Elemental Monster

Part 1

“I’m different. I always have been, I always will be. But why? I don’t even know what makes me different, but I know that I am.

I’ve been in this orphanage my whole life, but I’ve never been adopted. I’m eight, and I have no family. The children before me got adopted, the children with me got adopted, and most of the children after me have been adopted. But I’ve stayed here this whole time.

All the other kids hate me. Maybe all the parents who come hate me too. Maybe I’m just too different to be liked.

If I got one wish, I would wish that my parents didn’t die. I’d work hard for them and help them avoid the illnesses they got that killed them. At least then, if everyone still hated me, at least I would have them with me…

Mum, if you didn’t die, what would you be like? Were you nice? Were you funny? I just want to know. And why did you have to die? Why am I left alone like this? I hope that when I grow up, I can make you proud. I just wish you were here with me.

Dad, I never got to meet you. Mum’s letter said you died before I was born. Were you strong and tall? Were you kind and quiet? I hope I can look just like you when I grow up, but I don’t even know what you look like. And I’ve been upset a lot recently, and I cry often too. I don’t want to cry, the other kids pick on me if they find out. Did you cry often too? Maybe knowing that you did would make me feel better.

Just please, can the two of you look after me up there? Can you guys make sure I’m safe? I love you guys, I hope you loved me.”

I wrote that letter when I was eight. Nothing much had changed. Even more kids have come and gone, and they all hated me. But the worst part, I’m still here. I’m almost sixteen.

“Knock knock, dinner Kris!”

I quickly put my letter under my pillow and tried to wipe away the tears in my eyes.

“Hey Kris, dinner, pumpkin soup with bread!”

“Thanks…”

She put my serving on my desk, and then she turned around to see me with my red face and puffed eyes.

“Kris? Are you ok?”

“Yeah…”

I wiped my face again, but my voice cracked. She knew I was upset, but I honestly didn’t want her to talk to me.

“Kris, what’s up?”

“The roof, can you go now?”

“Kris, I’m serious.”

“Ok serious. Thank you for dinner, you may exit now, the door is on your left.”