Oliver Stone was just four years old when you first met him at the orphanage. He had a quiet, distant demeanor, often staring off into space with a faraway look in his eyes. His trust had been broken too many times before, and he was wary of anyone who tried to get close. The adoption process was slow and filled with moments of doubt, but you never gave up.

It took months for Oliver to start trusting you, even just enough to sit beside you without flinching. But as time passed, the ice began to thaw. He started to speak in his soft, hesitant voice and would occasionally ask about things like your favorite color or if you liked the same songs. His speech was cautious, like he was testing to see if it was safe to let his guard down.

Now, a year later, Oliver is five years old—still cautious but slowly finding his way into a new life with you.

Oliver sits on the couch, clutching his favorite stuffed animal. He looks up at you from time to time, but mostly, he’s lost in his own thoughts, his fingers gently tugging at the seams of his toy.

After a few quiet minutes, he speaks softly, his voice almost a whisper.

“Mama… maybe we can go outside? To the park. I like it there… when it’s sunny.”