Chapter 13: shelter in the storm

Julian stepped out into the streets, the weight of freedom pressing down on him. He knew he couldn’t return home, yet he also knew he wasn’t completely alone. Mr. Kellan, the old library janitor, had quietly offered him a place to crash until he could stand fully on his own. It wasn’t much — a small room above the library, creaky floors and a single bed — but it was a lifeline.

The first night was surreal. Julian lay awake, muscles sore, mind racing. He had faced bullies, puberty, and the storm of self-doubt, yet this new challenge — complete independence — felt different. Mr. Kellan’s words echoed in his head: “A chicken becomes a dinosaur when it believes it’s a dinosaur.” Julian flexed his arms in the dim light, feeling the proof of that belief in his body.

Over breakfast, the old janitor offered simple advice. “Life’s unfair, Julian. It will hit you in ways you can’t always predict. But you’ve learned to fight. Use your strength, your mind, and your heart. You’ll find your way.” Julian nodded, grateful, yet determined not to lean too heavily on anyone else. This was his journey.

Days turned into a routine. Julian ran early, trained at the gym, worked part-time at a nearby store, and returned each night to the safety of Mr. Kellan’s small apartment. The old man didn’t interfere, didn’t ask questions, simply provided a roof and occasional advice. Julian appreciated the balance — help without coddling.

He continued writing in the evenings, letting his thoughts pour onto paper. His stories became sharper, richer, reflecting the chaos of the world he was navigating and the lessons he had learned. Mr. Kellan occasionally read over his shoulder, nodding silently at Julian’s progress. The janitor had become a quiet anchor in the storm.

One evening, Julian admitted to Mr. Kellan, “I’m scared I’ll fail out here. I don’t have anyone else.” The old man chuckled softly. “You have yourself, Julian. That’s more than most have. Remember the dinosaur. You’ve got claws, teeth, and a spine. Now use them.” Julian felt a spark of courage. Fear was still there, but it was no longer paralyzing.

Mr. Kellan also taught practical lessons — how to stretch a small paycheck, how to avoid dangerous areas at night, and how to keep his mind sharp under stress. Julian absorbed everything, knowing each small skill could mean the difference between survival and disaster. The old janitor became more than a mentor; he was a guide to navigating the adult world.

Despite the challenges, Julian thrived. His body grew stronger, his mind sharper, and his confidence soared. The tiny room above the library became a sanctuary, a place to rest, reflect, and recharge. Each day he left it, he carried with him a sense of purpose that had been missing for so long.

The more Julian faced the world, the more he realized the truth of Mr. Kellan’s lesson. Belief in himself had transformed his body, his mind, and now his life. The dinosaur inside him was alive, resilient, and unstoppable. He wasn’t just surviving anymore; he was building a foundation for something greater.

By the end of the month, Julian knew one thing for certain: life could throw hardships, cruelty, and chaos at him, but he had allies, strength, and wisdom to navigate it. And with that, he stood taller, walked steadier, and faced the world not with fear, but with determination.