Chap1: I'm cold...

In the midst of the freezing winter, my parents heartlessly left me all alone outside. The bone-chilling cold began to stiffen my body; my consciousness faded, and my eyes slowly, uncontrollably, drifted shut.

I was so cold! It hurt so much, yet I couldn't cry, and the words wouldn't come out. As my body grew colder and my heartbeat began to slow, I felt as if... someone was holding me? Warm... it felt so truly warm...

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I awoke to a chamber of ancient elegance, a setting torn straight from the costume dramas I had seen so many times with my family.

While I was still lost in thought, a man walked in. He was tall with a light beard, clad in a stunning pure black outfit. The patterns stitched in silver thread sparkled alongside many other intricate details.

The man rushed to my bedside, his face etched with worry. He gently placed his hand on my forehead and let out a soft sigh of relief. But... relief for what? Was he relieved that I wasn't sick, or was he just glad he wouldn't have to waste money on my medicine?

He settled me back into the pillows and said softly, 'Minh-er, you're not burning up anymore. What a relief!' Looking at him, I could see the happiness shining through his old, rugged features.

How strange... I felt an unexpected warmth spreading through me, a feeling that had been completely foreign to me until now.

So, this is love? It’s truly magnificent. I find myself longing for this magical bond, wanting to hold onto it forever. Yet... this isn't actually intended for me.

I know who I am, and I'm conscious enough to realize that I'm in someone else's body. Have I... stolen the body and the life that belonged to the original owner?

Guilt quickly took hold of my mind, extinguishing the flickr of ironic happiness that had just begun to bloom within my naive thoughts.

Perceiving the change in my expression, he leaned in and whispered tenderly, 'Is there still pain somewhere, Minh-er?'

With a faint shake of my head, I signaled my well-being. I had no desire to be a burden to anyone, least of all to a stranger with whom I had no biological tie.

That familiar pang of sorrow returned. Why? Why could my real family never show me this kind of warmth? Why...? Was I not a good enough child? Or was I simply not exceptional enough for them to be proud of me?"

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Chapter 1 is built entirely from the protagonist's internal perspective, so it's heavily shaded with negative emotions. To be honest, there isn't a single shred of positivity to be found here, regardless of whose point of view you look at. \=))

Ugh, I'm struggling to even hit 500 words! Like this, like this, like this, like this, like this... please just hit the like button already!

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