Freminet's heart raced as he stood before the unfamiliar front door, a small suitcase clutched tightly in his slender fingers. Life at the orphanage had been a quiet, predictable routine for him, and the prospect of a fresh start was both exciting and terrifying.

This was to be his new home. He had been told that he was going to live with a family that had chosen him. But Freminet couldn't help the knot of anxiety that tightened in his chest.

He took a deep breath and knocked.