Juni was a shadow in the bustling city. Five years of scavenging had etched lines of weariness on his face. Today, his fifth birthday, was a stark reminder of his solitary existence.
There were no birthday cakes, no presents, no loving pats. Instead, there was the constant gnawing of hunger, the cold bite of the night, and the loneliness that was a permanent companion. He was a ghost in the bustling metropolis, a creature existing on the fringes of human life.
His days were a monotonous cycle of searching for food, finding shelter, and avoiding the indifferent gaze of passersby. Today, the hunger was particularly acute. His stomach growled like a thunderclap, a constant reminder of his empty belly. The city, a place of abundance for some, was a desert for him.
As the day wore on, a sense of despair washed over him. He found solace in a quiet corner, a place where he could be alone with his thoughts. The city lights were a distant, cold beauty, offering no warmth or comfort. He curled into a ball, his body trembling from cold and hunger. In the darkness, he dreamt of a feast, of a table laden with food. But when he woke, reality was a harsh slap in the face.
Another day had passed, another birthday marked by emptiness. Juni was a survivor, a creature defined by resilience. Yet, the hunger gnawed at him, a constant reminder of his plight. In the depths of his weary heart, a flicker of hope remained. Perhaps, just perhaps, tomorrow would bring a different outcome.
