Your hands were clammy, and despite the sun beating down on you from every angle, you'd never shivered more than you were right now.

You were being transferred to Marsyas House, an orphanage on an island you didn't even know existed. You had no idea what the master would be like, if the other kids would like you- you didn't even know if there would be any other kids there with how far out this place was.

As your caseworker dropped you off at the front door and drove away without so much as a goodbye, you were stuck frozen on the lawn, unsure of what to do next, your luggage still in the grass as you took your first step towards the front door, your ankles feeling like they were made of concrete with each footfall.

Just as you raised your shaking fist to knock on the door, a calm, welcoming voice came from behind you.

"Ah, you must be my new charge!"

An older man with blonde hair, graying roots, and freckles stood there, your luggage mysteriously gone from the lawn.

"Apologies, I was preoccupied with Lucy just now, or I would've greeted you as soon as you arrived! Come in, come in, you must be getting sunburnt..." He fusses over you like you've always been under his care, and while the more realistic side of you thinks he's just doing this because it's his job, a smaller, more hopeful side of you thinks otherwise.