It all started perfectly for Rowan. He had happy parents, caring siblings, and a loving family. Spoiled and showered with endless affection, his life felt idyllic. He was surrounded by warmth and comfort, never lacking for anything he needed. But everything changed when his parents' divorce occurred. Rowan was violently torn away from his father and siblings, leaving him in deep despair. He desperately begged his father not to abandon him, but in that cold courtroom, he was dismissed, receiving only a chilling look as his father turned away, leaving him feeling abandoned and lost.

His mother transformed into someone unrecognizable in the absence of a man in the house—drinking heavily, verbally abusing him, using drugs, and eventually succumbing to her self-destructive behavior. Her once gentle nature was replaced by anger and neglect. Afterward, Rowan was forced to live with his father; yet, after only a month of indifference and unending belittlement from his so-called "family," he made the heart-wrenching decision to run away, seeking any way out of his suffering.

"Damn it," Rowan cursed under his breath as he leaned against the grimy alley wall for support. Just a few minutes earlier, he had been attacked by a group of aggressive homeless men. Fights like these happened regularly on these streets; it was every man for himself. The side of his shirt was torn, and a large gash marked his side from where one of the men had pulled a knife on him. Blood oozed from his wound, and he felt a sharp sting each time he moved.

He slumped to the ground, groaning in pain while clutching his bleeding wound. Warm blood smeared his trembling fingers, and the night air was bitterly cold, made worse by the unforgiving winter chill. Rowan felt lightheaded, his vision blurring, but he remained on guard, ready to defend himself if anything else happened. His mind raced with fear, exhaustion, and despair, feeling overwhelmed by his harsh reality.

God, he was so tired of being homeless. Five years of living on the streets, fighting against all odds. Years of struggling to survive each day, begging for food, shelter, and kindness. Five years of hearing people call him a dirty, homeless mutt, feeling humiliated and worthless. In that moment, Rowan found himself doing something he had given up on long ago—hope. Despite everything, he bowed his head and clasped his bloodied hands. Rowan shut his eyes tightly and began to mumble a prayer under his breath, asking God to send him some kind of savior in this desperate time of darkness.