chapter 1: stranger

Have you ever wondered where would you like to celebrate your 15th birthday or what gift would you like to receive from your parents, relatives and friends?

well Emery Willow had many wises. But now she's sitting in the church with some relatives and neighbors with sobs and eyes welled with water on her birthday. And as a gift she received a curse. Her parent's death news. she became an orphan. the day they gave birth to her they left her alone that very day.

And alone means really alone.

a day after the funeral

"Miss Willow, it's seems that none of your relatives are willing to take you in. " the lady of the child protection agency said in sad tone.

Emery didn't need to be told that by her. she already over heard them last night that how troubled they are with this situation and how none of them want to take her in. she's just burden afterall.

she knew it before hand what the lady said but it still hurt to hear it from someone that how everyone seeing her as a burden but no one is seeing her pain. even Emery's 2 years old pet dog, Berry can understand her pain who is also mourning by putting his face down on the floor. sharing a same expression as Emery.

For the past 15 years, Emery grew up in a warm home with loving parents. But now that they are not here she is finally seeing the real face of everyone.

"well we can wait 1 more day in hopes if there's maybe a distance relative who would like to take you in. if not... then we have to put you in foster care."

this just added to her depression and gloominess.

With a panicked expression she spoke for the first time in so long.

" ca.. can't I st..stay here?" her voice came harsh because of all the crying.

" I'm sorry miss Willow but you are still a minor. according to the law we can't allow that."

she didn't like the idea of going to an unfamiliar place. Among unfamiliar people.

she took a quick glance at Berry. and again look at the lady.

"what.. about... Berry?"

this question even broke the lady's heart. afterall even she can see that the dog is maybe the only one who is actually sad about Emery's loss.

"well we can find someone to take care of him too .." she was unsure of her own statement.but she didn't wanted to upset the poor little girl.

This made Emery more gloomy. afterall berry is the only family she had left.

I don't want it . I don't want it! I don't want it!!!

was all her mind was screaming.

"I think that's it for today. I'll take my leave. I'll see you tomorrow evening . take care, Emery."

she just slowly nodded .

everyone left by saying good bye. no one even care how she's gonna live in this place even for a day and night.

at night she was so scared that she hugged berry all night close to her.

the next day went in blur and it was almost evening.

Emery was scared. she couldn't think anymore. she even start to think of her self as a burden.

And Emery knew it was finally time to face the reality when she heard the doorbell rang.

she didn't wanted to let them in. she didn't wanted them to put her in foster care.

she didn't wanted any of these.

but still with heavy feet she went towards the door and opened it.

but what she saw , she definitely wasn't expecting that.

instead of the lady of yesterday, there was a tall man standing at her doorstep.

she looked at him confused.

and what he said made her even more confused.

"sorry I'm late."

why is he sorry? what is he late for? who is he?

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