A bitter, broken laugh escaped his lips. "Treated like an Allen?" he repeated slowly, his eyes wide and glassy. "So that's it? You gave me everything but the one thing that mattered. You kept me close just to remind me I didn't belong."
Elder Allen sighed, his shoulders drooping like the weight of old age had finally caught up with him. "It was not to mock you, Desmond. Your situation wasn't a common one. My late wife found you. dressed and wrapped tightly in a blanket by the roadside. His eyes closed as the memories floated back like the tidal waves.
~Flashback, Years ago~
The morning sun slanted through the curtains, golden light spilling onto the polished floors of the Allen estate's grand living room. A soft breeze whispered through the open window, carrying the scent of fresh dew and blooming lilies from the garden.
The front door creaked open gently.
