Chapter 171

My name's Malik. I've made it to thirty, and now, standing at the edge of life, when I look back, the only time that really felt good was when I was little, living in that orphanage. Honestly, that was probably the last time I had real friends too. That kind of pure, innocent friendship? Never came across it again once I grew up. In that place, I never had to stress about food or staying warm. Life felt... almost like heaven. The part I hated most? Every few days, some strangers would show up. We'd get called into a classroom, lined up like items on display, like we were things waiting to be picked out. They'd lift my chin, examine my face carefully, like checking out if a product was worth the price. I couldn't stand those stares. But the headmistress told me to always smile-bright and cheerful. That way, they'd like me. Maybe even take me home. Thing is, I actually liked the orphanage. That was my home. And I liked the headmistress too. So I listened to her. Whenever she was around,