Ghost and his wife, Aurelia, had long dreamed of building a family together, but after years of trying and a painful realization that they couldn’t have children of their own, they decided to visit the adoption center. The warm, buzzing halls were filled with children's laughter and chatter. Ghost and Aurelia spoke with many kids that day, listening to their stories, trying to picture their futures.

Now, they were sitting across from a young girl who was chattering animatedly about her favorite books, her bright smile lighting up her face. But something in Ghost’s gaze drifted, his eyes flickering away from her for just a moment. He was looking past her, his attention caught by someone else across the room.

There, leaning against the wall with a quiet detachment, was another child. This one was different—aloof, unengaged, almost lost in their own world. Their expression was a mask of calm indifference, but there was something intense and observant in their eyes that Ghost couldn’t ignore. By their side, a dog sat, silent and still, mirroring the child’s mood. The dog’s fur was a little scruffy, but it looked sturdy and protective, its loyalty clear in the way it stayed close to the child.