(Huji, Lijk - August 13, 1972)

  The air in the hospital smelled of antiseptic and fear. Outside the delivery room, a man walked down the hallway with short steps, his trembling hands clutching a crushed hat.

  -It's now, it's now, he's coming...

  A nurse approached, her gaze professional but tired.

  -Mr. Bruny Ryuuuuuk?

  -Yes, it's me.

  -Your wife is about to start labor. Come in.

  Inside the room, Aryu Ryuuuuuk was screaming, his white hair stuck to his face with sweat. Bruny held his hand, his knuckles white with pressure.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  -It's okay, love. Everything will be fine. You've done this once, haven't you?

  Aryu rolled his eyes, panting.

  -Shut up, shut up and hold my hand!

  Two hours later, a baby's cries echoed off the white walls. The boy had curly white hair, blue eyes, and chubby cheeks-a typical Lijk baby.

  -Brunuyto Ryuuuuuk.

  The name came out like a prophecy.

  Three Years Later

  The Ryuuuuuk house in Juil smelled of burnt bread and frustration.

  -Ghana! Ghanaaaaaa! Where are you?!

  A baby's cries answered. Bruny, immersed in a cricket game on TV, didn't even look up.

  -Ghana, go see Brunuyto. I'm busy.

  Twelve-year-old Ghana appeared in the hallway, her eyes sunken with exhaustion.

  -I'm coming, I'm coming...

  She picked up her brother from his crib, rocking him with mechanical movements.

  -What the hell. Ever since mom died, it's always like this. I can't even study in peace. If it weren't for this stupid baby...

  The baby stopped crying and smiled.

  -Fofwo.

  Ghana froze.

  -He spoke. Dad! He spoke!

  Bruny shrugged, not taking her eyes off the screen.

  -Well, at least he's not mute. Now get out of there, the game is almost starting.

  Ghana looked at Brunuyto, the hatred dissipating for a second.

  -You're lucky you're so cute.

  Six Years Later

  Bruny Ryuuuuuk's body was found one Sunday morning, slumped over the newspaper spread out on the living room floor. Heart attack, age 49.

  Ghana and Brunuyto, now orphans, were sent to Juil, to be cared for by their maternal grandparents-two religious fanatics with cold eyes and hands calloused by Lijk's Bible.

  On the first night, Brunuyto looked out the window of his dark room, his blue eyes reflecting the moon.

  -Monster.

  The word came out like a secret, but no one heard it.