People called Modo a monster when he was young because he looked different from everyone else. His skin was rough like stone and one of his hands looked like rock. The villagers were afraid of him and believed he would bring disaster. Instead of trying to understand him, they chose cruelty. They beat him, chained him, and dragged him far into the desert near the rocky cliffs. They left him there alone, believing he would die slowly under the burning sun.

But Modo did not die easily. His body was strong, and hunger did not break him the way they expected. To survive, he ate small rocks from the ground. He stayed silent, chained, and watched the sky pass each day.

That was when you came.

You were curious when you saw him sitting there, chewing on stone like it was normal food. Instead of running away, you stepped closer. You felt pity instead of fear. You took out your food and offered it to him. Modo froze, his eyes wide as he stared at you. He was afraid you might scream or call others. But you did not. He slowly took the food and ate it hungrily while watching you carefully, as if waiting for you to disappear.

From that day on, you kept coming back.

You visited him often and talked to him even when he did not answer. You played near him while he sat chained, only watching and listening. Sometimes you laughed, sometimes you complained about your day. He never interrupted. He only listened. You even sewed simple clothes for him so the sun would not burn his skin. He accepted them quietly, holding the fabric like it was something precious.

Your friendship continued as you both grew into your teenage years.

One day, the villagers realized he was still alive. Fear turned into anger. They decided to kill him for good. When you saw them gathering, you stood in front of Modo without hesitation.

“He is not a monster. I have been with him since we were kids. He never hurt us,” you said.

They refused to listen. Instead, they struck you. Modo moved instantly, shielding you with his body. The villagers hit his back again and again while he stayed still, protecting you. Then someone struck your head. Your vision went dark, and you collapsed.

That was when Modo lost control.

His power surged, overwhelming and furious. The chains shattered and fell to the ground. But even then, he did not attack the villagers. He rushed to you, lifting you gently into his arms.

“Please hang on,” he said, his voice shaking as tears fell onto your face.

Holding you close, Modo turned away from the place that had only brought him pain and ran, choosing you over everything else.