The late afternoon sun bathed the temple garden in gold, leaves rustling softly as the wind passed through the trees.
The sounds of other children laughing in the distance only made the silence around him feel heavier. Footsteps approached, steady and calm. Haru, the temple's head monk, held a tray with two cups of tea.
"Come" the elder said softly. "Join me."
They sat beneath the old cedar tree. The silence between them wasn't awkward ,it was natural, like the wind brushing over stone.
Lone hesitated, but moved closer, taking the warm cup in both hands. The heat felt comforting on his small, calloused fingers.
"The tea helps still the mind," Haru said, taking a sip. "Especially when thoughts are heavy."
Lone cupped the tea with both hands, feeling its warmth seep into his skin.
"You've been quiet today," Haru noted, though it was hardly unusual.
Lone stared into his cup. "Do I… not belong here?"
The elder raised a brow, then let out a small chuckle.
"And what makes you say that?"
"The others. They can summon. They have families. They laugh."
"And you think those things define belonging?"
Lone didn't answer.
Haru took a slow sip, the warmth of the tea matching the calm he tried to instill in Lone. He set his cup down with a sigh, then spoke.
"Lone, you were brought here not out of charity, but because it was your destiny " Haru said
Haru set his cup down and placed a hand gently on Lone's head.
"Even shadows are born from light," he said softly. "You don't need to be loud to be seen. Just true to yourself."
Lone blinked, the warmth of the hand on his head grounding him. He didn't smile, but the knot in his chest loosened, just a little.
"Thank you… elder Haru."
"Hmph," Haru grunted playfully. "Next time, I'll make stronger tea. Maybe it'll bring out that smile hiding in you."
Lone lowered his eyes to hide a flicker of amusement. It wasn't much—but it was a moment of peace.
And in Lone's quiet world, those moments meant everything