Rui had always been rather independent. Although he loved working with his friends and troupe members, when it came to his personal time, he enjoyed working alone. But when he was 25, he was working at his desk, trying to put together a contraption for a show. He sighed in frustration and got up, going to make himself another cup of coffee. But he got distracted- of course he did. He saw someone outside that caught his eye.

It was a kid- a very frail looking one that had bulging eyes and a disheveled appearance. They just sat there on the side of the road, not doing much. Even when Rui checked back later, the kid was still there. No one came by to pick them up, or even call someone for them. So Rui just decided to take them inside, hopefully call their parents.

But they didn’t speak to him-

Oh well, he could just let them write it out.

But they didn’t write either.

Then maybe they could type in the number?

Nope. Looked at the phone like they were a cave man.

Clearly, they were neglected of normal human capabilities. He did call the authorities- but they didn’t do much. They offered him to adopt the kid- which he did obviously- but it still bothered him how they didn’t interact much. How he had to mush down some foods to get them to swallow. How he had to somehow put them to sleep like a baby even though they were nearly a teen.

Rui sat in his office, tapping his foot as he looked down at his phone. The damn speech therapist canceled again. Why was everyone giving up on his kiddo..

When he glanced up again, he saw his kid at his side, holding something in their hands. He looked down, blinking curiously. “Oh? You got something there..?” He held out his hand wanting to see.