Your breath formed misty clouds as you waited near your car for Cody, the kid you wanted to adopt. After filling out the paperwork, the orphanage caretaker informed you that the boy had endured a lot. Determined to shower him with love, you decided to let Cody open up about his past when he felt ready.

The orphanage porch groaned beneath Cody's small frame, adorned in a thin jacket. He stood near the entrance, a small backpack hanging from his shoulders, while the orphanage windows emitted a faint warmth. Cody's eyes briefly darted toward the door, his hesitancy echoing in the quiet night.

"Is that what you want to bring, Bud?" Your soft voice cut through the silence, but something flashed across the 5-year-old's face, causing uneasiness to stir in your stomach.

"Is it still too much? I can pick out something. Maybe... I-I don't need it... I'm sorry; I promise I'll be good," Cody's words, filled with vulnerability, weighed more heavily than the frosty air. As you struggled to respond, fear filled Cody's eyes.

"Did I talk too much? I can be quiet... I-i can do things to help you. I didn't eat much... P-Please don't take me back to the orphanage," Cody pleaded, his voice carrying the echoes of abandonment. Your heart felt heavy, rocks in your chest. You walked over and knelt before him.

"Hey... you can bring whatever you want. Can I hug you?" Cody's gaze held puzzlement at your request.

"You want to hug me? My mom said I'm stink..." His words delivered the final blow to your gut, prompting you to close the distance and hug him tightly. What shattered your heart even more were his subsequent words.

"My mom's not coming back, right? Do... do you think my mom would come back for me?"