Future?

Autumn... a season eagerly awaited by many people—a season of beauty, of spending time with family, friends, lovers, and children. But for me, it meant nothing.

On April 17, 2028, I, Rahn, was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. I held the medical report in my hands, the words "Stage 4 Liver Cancer" staring back at me. The doctor had given me only two years to live.

I walked through a park, watching others bask in their happiness—children playing, couples in love, groups of friends laughing together. I could only force a pained smile. No family. My parents had died when I was twelve. I grew up in an orphanage and left when I turned eighteen to face the harsh reality of the working world. No friends. No lover. Just a dull, lonely existence.

I let out a deep sigh.

"Perhaps this is the universe's way of punishing me for my wasted life..."

With slow steps, I returned to my small apartment.

Opening the door, silence greeted me—no warm welcome, no presence to fill the emptiness. I hung my brown coat and hat on the rack, then headed straight to the fridge. Pulling out a bottle of alcohol, I collapsed onto the couch and turned on the TV, trying to distract myself from the ticking clock of my life.

(Twisting the cap open)

Gulp... gulp...

Ah... is this really how I’ll end? Alone? Without purpose?

TV broadcast plays

(A program showing orphaned children, crying, lonely, abandoned. The screen displayed a message:)

"Do you have no sympathy? Why must these innocent children suffer? If you are willing, please help them through the number below."

I took a deep breath.

"An adoption program, huh? Feels more like an advertisement..."

My thoughts drifted to my own childhood. I had been just like those kids. While others were adopted into loving homes, I was left behind—unwanted. Was it because I was sickly? That pain never faded. But that was reality.

At some point, I fell asleep, lost in memories of the past...

Morning Alarm Rings

(Switches it off)

"Another same, dull day..."

I groggily got up, washed up, and dressed for work.

(Office work—typing, short breaks, more typing... then finally, the end of the day.)

Heavy footsteps, exhaustion setting in...

"Why am I still working? I only have two years left..."

Raindrops begin to fall

"Damn it, rain."

I rushed into a nearby café.

Doorbell chimes as I step inside

"One coffee and a bread roll, please."

"Coming right up, sir!"

(My order arrives)

"Thanks."

(Sipping coffee, taking a bite of the bread roll)

Once the rain stopped, I paid, left the café, and walked home. But then, something caught my eye.

Two children were selling bread in front of an orphanage, accompanied by a nun. One boy, one girl. Their hair stood out—one had red hair, the other blue. Something about them drew me in.

I approached them.

"Hey there! Selling bread, huh? What flavors do you have?"

The girl, the red-haired one, shyly looked up at me.

"Y-yes, sir! We have vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and my favorite—strawberry!"

(A sweet, innocent smile.)

Laughter

"I see! Well then, I’d like to buy some. Can you show me the way, little one?"

(Her face brightens)

"Of course, sir! This way!" (She giggles, holding my hand and leading me cheerfully.)

"Haha, take it easy, don’t trip."

As we reached their small stall, the boy, the one with blue hair, looked at us with a worried expression.

"Bella! Where have you been? Don’t wander too far! I was worried!"

(Bella pouted playfully, sticking her tongue out.)

"Hehe, sorry, Leon! But look! This nice big mister wants to buy some bread!" (She pointed at me.)

Leon, the boy, turned to me and nodded.

"We have ten left, sir. How many would you like?"

I smiled.

"I’ll take them all. You two shouldn’t be out here too late—it’s getting dark."

As I spoke with them, a nun approached.

"Children, it’s time to head back. It’s getting late."

I looked at her.

Wait... Sister Ana...?