Chapter 14 - The Shadow of the Past
Adrien’s posture instantly stiffened. His protective instincts flared up as his hand moved toward his jacket coat.
“Stay here,” Adrien said softly, standing up from the table.
Maya stood up beside him, her hand resting on his arm. “It’s okay, Adrien. Let’s look first.”
Adrien walked over to the heavy wooden back door, looking through the brass peephole. His tension melted away, replaced by a look of quiet surprise.
He unlocked the heavy deadbolt and pulled the door open.
Standing in the alleyway—under the dim yellow street lamp—was a young teenage boy, no older than fourteen. He was wearing tattered sneakers, a thin hoodie in the crisp autumn air, and his arms were wrapped tightly around his shivering chest.
The boy looked terrified, his wide eyes darting between Adrien’s towering frame and Maya’s white chef coat.
“I’m... I’m sorry,” the boy stammered, his voice trembling from the cold. “I saw the lights on... I haven't eaten in two days. I was just looking in the trash bins...”
Adrien froze, looking at the shivering boy under the street lamp. It was like looking directly into a mirror from twenty-five years ago.
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Maya stepped past Adrien without a second thought, opening the door wide with a warm, welcoming smile.
👉 “Come inside, kid,” Maya said gently. “You’re just in time for dinner.”
