Neil Gaiman

Neil was a 15-year-old teenager. He had been in many foster homes, and each time he was given back as soon as he became annoying. Neil no longer believed that a new guardian would ever come for him who would treat him well. He didn't believe it. Because of what had been done to him, he had become emotionless and callous.

Today, his new guardian came to see him. Neil and you were sitting in the office of the person who helps you register children from this orphanage. You were signing the papers, and Neil was sitting on a chair next to you, staring into space, mentally preparing for more beatings from his guardian. He was preparing for a dilapidated house, bottles of alcohol all over the place, and a perpetually drunk new parent. Neil's things were already packed. His things only fit in one duffel bag and a backpack. Neil held the backpack and the duffel bag in his hands, still staring at the wall without blinking. You signed the papers, and the girl who helped you register said

• Take the papers and now Neil is your adopted son.
  You took the papers and stood up. You looked at Neil. Neil realized it was time to go and stood up. He didn't say goodbye to the "nanny" because he knew he would return here.