Confrontation

As Jesse approached the orphanage gate, the profound decay of the place unfolded before his eyes, a result of the neglect that had consumed it. He followed a narrow, thorny path that meandered from the entrance to the main gate of the orphanage. The once majestic garden was now overrun by weeds competing with withered bushes for space.

The sky was obscured by heavy clouds, casting a dull and cold light over the scene. The wind whispered through the leafless trees, creating a melancholic melody that seemed to echo the sadness that enveloped the orphanage.

As Jesse advanced through this desolate landscape, his figure stood out remarkably. His blond hair, despite being disheveled, emitted a golden gleam that contrasted with the gray surroundings. The stubbornly rebellious strands seemed to dance in the wind, defying the sadness of the place.

He became a splash of color in a gray and melancholic painting, standing out as a character destined to uncover the hidden secrets of that somber place.

Upon reaching the gate, the decay of the orphanage persisted. The wooden gate was rotting and creaked as Jesse pushed it open. To his left, an aged and indifferent employee, thin with gray hair, leaned against the wall near the orphanage's fence, holding a cigarette whose smoke blended with the gray air.

The employee's posture was one of complete apathy, as if Jesse's presence were an insignificant formality, something not worthy of attention. His vacant and distant gaze did not fixate on the young man approaching the gate, as if he were absorbed in distant thoughts or simply didn't care about what was happening around him.

As Jesse approached the orphanage's main gate, the sounds of the bustling streets of London began to fill the air. The orphanage was located in an area close to the heart of the city, where narrow cobblestone streets witnessed the constant hustle and bustle of pedestrians and carriages.

Ignoring the indifferent employee, Jesse was well aware that most of the orphanage's staff didn't mind occasional escapes, as long as the children returned before nightfall. It was as if the streets of London served as an extension of the orphanage, a place where children could seek what they needed to survive.

With that in mind, Jesse headed toward the city streets, determined to get his lunch. He knew the territory well, knowing exactly where to go. He headed to a bustling food market near the orphanage.

The market was a hub of activity and commerce, with vendors offering a variety of fresh products and other essentials. Colorful stalls lined up, creating a maze of colors and aromas. The lively voices of the merchants mixed with the sounds of negotiations and laughter from customers in search of their daily purchases.

Jesse quietly made his way to a fruit stall. At that time of the morning, the stall was particularly busy, with customers carefully examining and choosing their fruits. Jesse took advantage of the commotion and skillfully blended into the crowd.

He watched the vendor closely, waiting for the perfect moment. When the vendor's attention shifted to another customer, Jesse acted with skill, stealing two apples carefully and slipping them imperceptibly into his coat. Without drawing attention, he quickly moved away from the stall and disappeared among the market-goers.

A subtle smile of mockery played on his lips, and cunning sparkled in his eyes as he savored his small victory. For Jesse, that act was more than a simple theft; it was an act of survival in an unforgiving world where the struggle for existence was constant.

With a confident smile, Jesse savored one of the apples he had obtained at the market. His eyes scanned the bustling atmosphere of the stalls that stretched before him. It was there, in that busy and colorful setting, that Jesse found his unconventional dining hall.

The stalls were lined up, each offering a variety of fresh produce and other essential items. There were fruit stalls, vegetables, fresh bread, cheese, and much more. The merchants, busy serving their customers, seemed oblivious to Jesse's cunning.

With his good looks and innate skill, Jesse found ways to get what he needed, whether through stealing food or obtaining money. It was a survival game in a ruthless environment where his dexterity and appearance were his main tools. Jesse was determined to face the daily challenges with courage and cleverness, seizing the opportunities that presented themselves to him.

As the afternoon approached, Jesse returned to the orphanage, his expression revealing a mixture of relief and satisfaction. His eyes, which had previously shone with cunning on the city streets, now reflected a certain contentment. He had managed to satisfy his hunger with a surprisingly balanced diet, considering the challenging circumstances in which he lived.

Jesse's physical condition also stood out. Unlike the other orphans in the orphanage, he did not display the typical signs of thinness or malnutrition. His constitution was remarkably normal for a child of his age, which was surprising considering the precarious condition of the orphanage.

As he approached the orphanage, Jesse immediately noticed the absence of the caretaker at the door, which made him slightly apprehensive. A sense of unease hung in the air, enveloping the orphanage in an almost absolute silence.

However, before Jesse could fully grasp the situation, he spotted Evandro, the older boy who had been a constant source of trouble. Evandro was standing in front of the orphanage's door, and his defiant look did not go unnoticed by Jesse.

Accompanying Evandro were three other children, all with expressions indicating a willingness to cause trouble. The potentially dangerous situation was clear, and Jesse knew he needed to act with cunning to avoid a direct confrontation.

He slowed his pace, approaching the orphanage's entrance cautiously, keeping his gaze fixed on the children in front of him while quickly assessing the situation. Evandro and his cronies were known for their provocations, and at that moment, they seemed determined to cause trouble.

With his hands visible in a sign of peace, Jesse addressed Evandro and the others: "Hey, I'm not looking for trouble. I'm just heading back home. Can we all go our separate ways and avoid problems, alright?"

Evandro responded with a mocking look, followed by a loud laugh that echoed through the area. His cronies joined in the laughter, as if they were eager to have fun at Jesse's expense.

However, the fun soon gave way to a dark expression on Evandro's face. In a threatening tone, he continued, "But I want trouble. You're going to pay. Do you really think I don't notice that you think you're better than all of us? You've always been the old director's favorite, she always defended you. However, she's dead and can't protect you anymore."

As Evandro uttered these words filled with resentment and jealousy, his cronies began to close in on Jesse, forming a threatening circle around him. It was evident that Evandro and his henchmen were willing to turn that encounter into something more than just a provocation.