The night was cold, and the darkness in the cellar weighed on Stanley like a burden. Sitting on the rough ground, he stared at the talisman his father had left him. This eagle engraved on the medallion represented everything he desired: freedom, grandeur, and a hope of escape from Silver Creek and this cursed orphanage.

He clutched the locket to his chest, tears welling up in his eyes. The loneliness was harder to bear than the physical punishments. His mind wandered in his dreams: a life where he would travel with Grim and Lorry, free as birds, far from the chains imposed by the headmaster and his brutal overseers.

Suddenly, a light knock sounded at the cellar door. Stanley jumped, his heart racing. He feared that it was one of the guards who had come to inflict a new punishment on him. But to his great surprise, it was Tom, his roommate.

Tom opened the door slowly, glancing quickly to make sure no one had followed him. In his hands he held a piece of bread and a bit of cold stew, leftovers from dinner that he had managed to hide.

“I brought this for you,” Tom said with a shy smile. You must be hungry

Stanley, touched by the gesture, took the food gratefully.

“Thank you, Tom,” he whispered. But you shouldn't be here. If the director sees you, he will charge you dearly.

Tom shrugged, his smile widening.

— Honestly, I don’t care. This guy has no control over me. I didn't want to leave you all alone here.

Stanley felt a weight lift from his heart. For the first time that day, he smiled sincerely. Tom sat down next to him, putting down his lantern to light the dark room.

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—What makes you so happy in life? Tom asked suddenly

Stanley looked down at the talisman in his hand.

— This medallion. This is all I have left of my father. Before leaving, he gave it to me saying that the eagle represents freedom and courage. I don't know where he is now, but I want to find him. And I want to be free, Tom. I want to leave this place, Silver Creek, and do something with my life.

Tom listened attentively, a glint of admiration in his eyes.

- I understand. I don't want to stay here all my life either. I want to travel, discover places where no one looks down on you or tells you what to do.

Stanley turned to him, suddenly animated by an idea.

—Then come with me. One day we will leave here, you, me, Grim and Lorry. We will be free, and we will live as we want.

Tom burst out laughing, but it wasn't aMocking laugh. It was a sincere, hopeful laugh.

- What do you know? I love your idea. You can count on me, Stan.

They hugged their hand, sealing a pact in the darkness of this wet cellar. A promise that they will cling to their dreams, regardless of obstacles.

As they spoke in a low voice, passes were heard in the corridor. Tom quickly exhausted the lantern, and they appear. The steps finally moved away, and Tom reluctantly stood up.

- I have to go before I am discovered. Well, okay?

Stanley nodded, a new determination in the gaze.

- Thank you, Tom.

When the door closed, Stanley found himself alone, but this time, he had a smile on his face. Loneliness no longer weighed him as much. He had an ally, a dream, and a promise engraved in his heart.

In this dark cellar, a spark of light had just been born. A spark which, he knew it, would eventually burn the chains that held him.