18 parts Complete MatureDisclaimer: This story is a work of autobiographical fiction.
Names, characters, places, events, incidents, and dates have been altered or fictionalized. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or real events is purely coincidental. All names and locations have been changed to protect privacy.
Content Warning: This story includes mentions of child abuse, intense and frightening scenes, and violence involving minors, substance abuse, and harsh language. It may not be suitable for children under 13. Reader discretion is advised.
It's 1995. River is an eleven-year-old lost in the system. He's been in so many homes, he's lost count. Each new home brings uncertainty, making it hard for him to settle in, or believe he'll ever find a place to truly belong. His latest foster family lives in a quiet town near Seattle, where he has to start over again: new school, new classmates, and the constant fear it won't last.
During this trying time, River meets a boy his age named Nick. Nick's friendship and laid-back attitude help ease River's fears. They become best friends, bonding over their shared love of books, reading, and never quite fitting in. Through their conversations and adventures, Nick helps River discover new aspects of himself by accepting him for who he is! Just when it seems like River has finally found the perfect school and caring guardians; life takes an unexpected turn! The world seems determined to test him, throwing obstacles in his way that make it hard to hold onto hope.
In this emotional prequel to River's Light, we meet River at his most vulnerable point in his journey; before he meets Eddy, discovers his hidden powers, or learns he's part of a world far beyond his imagination. Before he can embrace his destiny, River must first learn to keep moving forward, even when the odds are against him. This story explores themes of resilience, hope, and the universal quest for belonging, setting the stage for the extraordinary journey that awaits.
