ut its warmth couldn't touch Igwe's soul. He felt empty,

everything-his love, his hope, and his trust in the animals he had once cared for. He vowed that he would never keep an anima

his heart hardened, and walked awa

iar, now felt like a cage-a place that held nothing but painful memories. He could no longer stay there; the forest, which h

village on the outskirts of his home, Igwe

. He was an easygoing man with a charming smile and an energy that seemed to lighten even the darkest cor

ders," Richard had said, his eyes full of curiosity. Igwe had given

e remain silent. He had a way about him-a persis

d asked with a smile. "I can tell. You look li

e grief inside him, but for reasons he couldn't understand, Richard made him feel like talking wouldn't ma

we admitted quietly. "I thought I coul

ange of scenery. A new life, maybe. Ever been to the city? It's big, full o

ar too foreign, far too vast for someone like him. But something a

with me. It'll be a fresh start. No one

ift. With little hesitation, he agreed. The next morning, they left the villa

: The Cit

s that stretched into the heavens. The air was different here-more chaotic, but also strangely invigorating. There was a kind

less sea of faces. Igwe felt overwhelmed at first, his heart racing with the flood of new experie

much, but for Igwe, it felt like the perfect place to begin again. Richard was kind, patie

park, her blonde hair gleaming in the sunlight, her blue eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for someth

cautiously, unsu

said softly, his

life. Her smile was warm, and for a brief second, Igwe felt something stir in his chest, something that reminded him of the

t you look familiar. I'm new to the city,

hat echoed in the air. "You're not bother

eart beating a little fas

fe," Sophia said. "I love this

rsation flowed, as if they had known each other forever. It felt like fate had brought them together. But as the

shiver running

at him-was enough to send a wave of panic through his chest. He immediately

emeanor. "Is everything okay?" she as

ng to mask his discomfort. "Yes.

rry if my cat bothered you. She's very

in check. He didn't want to seem rude, especiall

r Lily. I've had... some difficult experiences with animal

g. "I get it. I won't push. But Lily's harmles

rewolf-had left deep scars. But as he looked into Sophia's eyes, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of

phia," Igwe said quietly, his voice fil

d out to gently squeeze his hand. "I'd