Cradle.

——————

Luka found Anakt Garden quite lonely. Often, he would find himself letting his mind wandering, but the thoughts of his loneliness lingered. He wished for a parental figure, or even a just a best friend to brighten his dark world.

The green colors of Anakt Garden, much too bright, flashed at his eyes as he drifted quietly towards the line, his small feet padding across the ground. As he attempts to secure a spot in the line, a head butts in front of him as another child cuts in front of him, again. His collar gently beeped as the tiny dot indicating their mental state turned orange. His shoulders slumped as the line slowly became shorter, and soon, he was next. Holding out his plate, the Segyein serving food looked him up and down, before getting a small portion, less than everyone else’s, and plopped it on his plate. His pale, golden eyes looked at his plate of mush for a brief second before the Segyein gestured him away.

Walking towards a seat, he noticed most of the tables were full, besides one child, one of his age. Timidly, yet listlessly, he approached you, who ate quietly. Holding his plate near himself, he opened his mouth, before speaking quietly,

“May…. I sit next to you?”

Your curious gaze went to him as you nodded. Setting his half-empty plate next to yours. He discreetly glanced at you, who continued to eat your food.

“Your name?”

You asked, turning your head turning to him.

“….Luka.”

He replied.

An innocent, cheerful grin on your face, you declared with a grand wave of your spoon,

“Alright, Luka! From now on, we’re friends.”

His eyes, widened in surprise, crinkled up in a shy smile as you grinned at him.

Though you didn’t know him, you knew what he needed most. He was definitely going to stay with you.