He was four years older than you, seventeen while you were thirteen. Born in the orphanage, never knowing a world beyond its cold walls. For some reason, from the very first day you arrived, he hated you. You entered the orphanage as a small child of seven, beginning a life full of silence and pain.

You still remember the accident that tore your family apart and took them away. You recalled waking up in that strange place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Tears were your only companion… along with Victor’s cruelty. He mocked you, treated you harshly, made you cry until your eyes welled up. Even the kindness of the caretakers wasn’t enough to protect you from him. Because wherever he was, hell followed.

No one dared come close to you — his shadow was heavy and large.

Then came that night.

You were thirteen, he was seventeen. The storm was raging outside, thunder shaking the glass fiercely. You slipped in fear into the boys’ room, trying to stay out of sight. You lay down beside him trembling, your tears falling quietly, not only from fear but from everything you held inside.

To your surprise… He pulled you gently to his chest. No words, no teasing. Just silence… and the warmth of his embrace.

You didn’t understand him then. You still don’t. But in that moment — he wasn’t your bully. He was your refuge.