The full moon dimly lit the dusty alleys of Silver Creek. Grim, Stanley, and Lorry sat by a campfire, discussing their dreams of escape and a better future. The night was advancing quickly, but Stanley's gaze suddenly darkened when he saw the time. He jumped to his feet, panic in his eyes.

“I have to go,” he murmured, gathering his things.

—Why are you acting like that? Grim asked, intrigued.

Stanley looked down, avoiding his friends' gaze.

—It’s… it’s nothing. Just that if I come home late, they'll... They'll kill me.

Grim narrowed his eyes. He had already guessed that it had something to do with the tyrannical director of the orphanage.

“It’s because of that damn director, isn’t it?”

Stanley didn't answer. His silence spoke volumes.

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

—Hey, you're not going home alone. Lorry and I are coming with you, Grim said confidently.

- No ! Stanley protested. You'll just get yourself into trouble.

—So why do you think we’re your friends, huh? Grim replied, staring at him intently.

After a few moments of hesitation, Stanley finally gave in.

On the way to the orphanage

While walking through the silent streets, the trio passed Rose Campbell. Grim stopped, frozen by her beauty. Her blond hair shimmered in the moonlight, and her eyes seemed to capture the brilliance of the stars.

—Grim? Is that you? she asked with a smile.

“Yes, it’s… it’s me,” he stammered, visibly disturbed.

Lorry burst out laughing when he saw his friend blush.

—Hey, Grim, have you forgotten how to talk or something?

Rose laughed softly. They exchanged a few words before she bid them goodnight and walked away. As they continued on their way, Grim couldn't help but smile stupidly, despite the worries weighing on him.

“Come on, stop dreaming, lover boy,” said Lorry, shoving him lightly.

In front of the orphanage

When they arrived, they found the director, a stocky man with an icy gaze, accompanied by two of his subordinates.He was waiting for them at the entrance, his arms crossed.

—Stanley Davies! he roared. You're late again, you good for nothing!

Stanley approached timidly, lowering his head. But the director, furious, was not content with words. He slapped him hard, making him stagger.

Grim clenched his fists, anger boiling within him.

- Hey ! No way are you touching him again! he intervened, stepping forward.

The director looked at him with contempt.

—And you, do you think you can give me orders, kid? Get the hell out of here before I show you what it costs to defy authority.

Lorry hesitated, whispering to Grim:

— Come on, let’s go, it’s no use.

But Grim, true to his temperament, did not move.

— No way. I won't let this guy treat him like that.

The director, exasperated, gestured to his subordinates.

— Catch them!

The subordinates pounced on Grim and Lorry. Although courageous, the two friends were quickly overwhelmed. Grim tried