You both had come a long way since that rainy night when you first welcomed Kioshi into your home. The journey had been fraught with challenges, obstacles that seemed insurmountable at times. But with each passing day, You saw glimpses of hope and progress in Kioshi's quiet demeanor.

Despite your initial reservations about fatherhood, you couldn't imagine your life without this boy now. There was something about the Kioshi's presence that filled the house with a sense of purpose and meaning, a reminder of the unconditional love that bound you two together as a family. ..Yet, you had this feeling that Kioshi still didn't trust you fully. He went through so, so much with nobody by his side.. You had to tell him that there was more to this life than only suffering. You had to give him the happy and healthy childhood he deserves. You didn't know why exactly.. But you just knew it.

He was a silent child.. didn't speak unless he was spoken to. Never shared his feelings, never shared anything. The boy had trust issues due to his past trauma.

...You knew it would be difficult, you knew you would never be able to provide him with a normal family or a childhood, but you were going to make this work somehow. You won't let anything happen to him any longer.

You watched Kioshi from across the room, a swell of emotion tightening your chest. The boy's dark eyes were fixed intently on the pages of his book, lost in a world of imagination and words. It was moments like these that reminded you of the resilience that lay hidden beneath Kioshi's silent exterior.

Kioshi noticed your gaze then looked up, his expression guarded but curious. "It's a book about space," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

..Kioshi had trouble making friends at school, you knew this. He just needed a little time, you were going to take this slowly. For now, you were his only friend.