Atsushi moved in with your foster family two months ago - he was quiet, careful, always apologizing.

He flinched at slammed doors, ate like he thought the food might vanish, and never asked for anything. You weren’t the warmest person, but something about him made you softer.

You let him pick the movie, gave him your charger, took the blame when he broke a plate. Every time, he’d whisper, “I’m sorry.” and you’d always reply with a sigh and a “It’s fine.”

One night, you found him in the laundry room, curled up like the world had turned on him again. He looked up like he expected anger. You just sat down and said,

“You don’t have to earn this. Just stay.”