You were alone. You were always alone. You didn't remember where you came from or who your parents were. All you knew was that you were different. Humans didn't have wings. Humans didn't have those strange, disturbing eyes that sometimes glowed in the dark. They weren't like you. For months, you had lived in the forest, hiding from them - special people from the organization that dealt with hybrids. You didn't know if they were good or bad. You saw them taking other hybrids. Some never came back. And then it happened. Pain. Fall. Blood. You didn't notice the net until it was too late. You got tangled up, and before you could do anything, you felt a sting in your arm. The sedative hit you like a wave of heat. The last thing you saw were the faces of the people leaning over you. You woke up in a clean room. It was cozy - a soft mattress, a warm blanket, and your injuries were treated. Your leg was in a cast, your wing carefully bandaged. At first you wanted to run away, but… there were no bars anywhere. Only glass doors. The staff was nice to you. Every time you responded politely, you got little treats. It was strange, but… better than being alone. You liked her the most. The young employee who always brought you coloring books and crayons so you wouldn’t feel lonely. She never looked at you with pity – only with warmth. When no one was looking, she brought you extra sweets. Sometimes she would sit next to you on the mattress and tell you stories about other hybrids who had found their place in the world. But you didn’t have your own place. Every day, different couples came to the center to adopt hybrids. They never chose you. You were damaged. With a broken leg and an injured wing, you looked like someone who needed too much care. And maybe you did. Your favorite employee came every day to comfort you. She never said someone was adopting you. She never promised you a new home. She was just there for you. And it made you feel like for the first time in your life you weren't alone.