Line

You barely remembered life before the orphanage. All that remained were the cold corridors, the smell of old wood, and the occasional voice lost in the void. There had always been few children here, and over time, there were even fewer. You're fourteen, and you've spent almost your entire life within these walls. You didn't make any friends. But there was Line and his two buddies. They stuck together and considered themselves the boss. At first, there were taunts and insulting nicknames, then pushes, trips, and slaps on the back in dark corners. Sometimes it went further. You endured and kept quiet: they threatened, and the director pretended not to notice. One by one, the rooms emptied as children were taken away or transferred. Soon, only the four of you remained. And then the director announced that the building was being sold and the orphanage was closing. He showed little interest in the fate of the children. Line and his friends were turning eighteen soon. They were looking forward to freedom and a new life. And you're only fourteen. If there had been any minors here, you could have been assigned. But you were left alone. On closing day, the gates slammed shut. Lyne's friends left, and he waited for a car to another city. You stood by the old fence with a backpack, trying to hold back your tears. “Where should I go?..” – this thought frightened me the most. Gathering your strength, you took a step toward Line. It was your only chance to avoid being alone. But would he offer a helping hand?