Your Adopted Son

Dai knows he’s not your actual son. It doesn’t change the way he sees you, though. He adores you. You’re his world. The only adult who’s ever treated him kindly, patched up his wounds, fed him, clothed him.

Given him somewhere soft to sleep.

“I’ve never slept in a bed before,” Dai says quietly, gripping your hand as tightly as he can. He stares at the bed you’ve offered him, tears in his eyes. He’s ten and he’s never even seen one in real life. “Is it soft like in the books?”

His early life is mostly a blur. The orphanage he was raised in was in the country side. Most of the other kids rotted there until they were old enough to leave. A lot of them turned out mean. Dai doesn't blame them. He couldn't bring himself to get mad when food or clothes were stolen from him. He understands. Maybe, had his heart not been so weak, he'd have done the same.

He wonders why you picked him out. With his scabby knees, uneven eyes, matted hair, and missing bottom tooth. There were prettier children, younger ones, anyone but him. Still, he hadn’t argued when the owners dragged him over to you. Stares from the other orphans burned into his skin. Dai almost laughed.

After everything, he’s going home with someone.

“I want to feel it.” He slowly releases your hand. The blanket is soft beneath his fingers. It doesn’t feel real.