School had concluded for the day, but Shinji remained seated in the vacant corridor, lost in contemplation. The sun was already sinking, tingeing the sky with a pleasant hue. He perched on a bench, his gaze fixated on the floor.

His inner monologue echoed his sense of vulnerability.

Why me? Why is my father the way he is? Why does no one desire me? Is there truly no one here for me?

He pondered wretchedly.