5 A nice stranger

Vin opened the door to his one-room apartment, revealing a small and cluttered living space. On the left side of the room, there was a worn-out couch, with a small round table in the middle. The small kitchen was located at the back of the room, separated from the living room/bedroom area by a small counter. Despite the cramped conditions, Vin tried his best to make the place feel welcoming. However, the apartment was messy and full of trash, giving off a strange odor that was difficult to ignore.

Vin welcomed the young boy, Katsu, into his home, feeling a sense of empathy for the child. He knew all too well what it was like to be alone and without anyone to turn to. "Eh… sorry, it's messy in here," Vin said, looking a little embarrassed as he attempted to tidy up some of the clutter.

Katsu looked around, taking in his surroundings. He couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Vin for taking him in. "Thank you, sir," he said, still feeling a little unsure of himself.

"Well, go ahead, take a seat," Vin replied, gesturing towards the couch. "I'll prepare some food for you. In the meantime, make yourself at home."

Katsu sat down on the couch and tried to remember what had happened and how he had gotten himself into this situation. He struggled to piece together the fragments of his memory, but as he did, a flood of memories rushed into his mind. The memories were overwhelming and painful, causing him to wince in pain.

Vin noticed the boy's distress and quickly rushed to his side. "Woah, what's happening? Are you alright? What are you feeling?" he asked, trying to comfort the boy.

Katsu continued to remember everything that had happened. From the moment the bombs had fallen from the sky to the soldiers massacring the villagers, to the death of his parents, the memories were too much for him to bear. He clutched his head in agony, feeling as though his mind was going to explode.

Suddenly, a strange voice whispered into his ear, causing him to freeze. "Live," the voice said, and Katsu felt a chill run down his spine.

The pain intensified, but suddenly, Katsu felt a burst of energy - similar to the one he had felt when he tackled the soldier. It calmed him, and the pain dissipated.

"Here, drink some water," Vin said, handing Katsu a glass of water.

Katsu drank the water, and eventually, he calmed down.

"Are you okay?" Vin asked.

Katsu nodded. "Yes, I'm okay now. I remember everything." He mumbled.

Katsu looked up at Vin, his eyes filled with pain and confusion. "I remember everything," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The soldiers, the bombs, my parents... it hurts so much."

The memories were vivid and painful, causing Katsu to relive the trauma of losing everything he had ever known. He sat there in silence, trying to come to terms with "Here's some food, although I'm not a great cook. Do you eat this?" he says as he places a plate of food on the table.

"Thank you," he replies before starting to eat.

Vin watches him, unsure of what to say. He's never been great with words, but he knows that sometimes all someone needs is a listening ear.

"Tell me about what happened to you," Vin finally says.

Katsu begins to tell him everything he can remember, everything he can articulate. He doesn't trust Vin yet, but he knows he doesn't have many other options. He couldn't run away - where would he go? At that moment, he feels numb - he knows the situation he's in, but he can't feel anything. Not sadness, not anger, nothing. He has no family, no friends, and he's in an unfamiliar place. His face turns pale, and he feels like a hollow shell.

Vin is shocked by Katsu's story. A survivor of cat brutality - it's unbelievable.

"I'm sorry about your loss," Vin says, unable to come up with anything else.

Katsu finishes eating and sighs deeply.

"Do you have anyone to go to? Any relatives that might take care of you?" Vin asks, worried about the boy.

"I don't know," Katsu replies.

Vin's heart is moved by Katsu's story. He knows he just picked up a random kid in a barrel in the river, but he can't send him away. Katsu's mind is still in denial, and he can't believe what's happened to him.

After some careful thought, Vin makes a decision.

"Alright, Katsu, I know we've only just met, but I can't ignore your story. I'm going to take you in," Vin says, standing up.

"Why would you do that for me? Going through the hassle of taking care of a weak boy who couldn't even protect his parents?" Katsu asks, feeling conflicted.

Vin knows Katsu's trying to counter his offer and gives him a choice.

"Well, your story can make any grown man cry. If you don't want to, I won't push, but what will you do then?"

Katsu realizes he has no other options left. He can't trust Vin completely, but he knows he has no other choice.

"I accept your offer. I will try my best not to be a burden from now on," Katsu says, bowing and accepting Vin's offer.

"Don't fret, I'm kind. I won't hurt you. I'll protect you from anything that could harm you. I promise," Vin says reassuringly.

"Well, I guess I have no choice," Katsu says.

"Okay, then Katsu, let's get you fixed up. Come with me," Vin says, preparing to leave the apartment.

"Where are we going, Vin?" Katsu asks.

"There's a shop I know where we can buy new clothes for you. And don't call me sir, call me Vin," Vin replies, opening the door.

"Clothes?" Katsu wonders where they're going and what they'll be doing.

"Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's go," Vin says, calling Katsu downstairs.

"Yes, Sir! I'm coming," Katsu says, following Vin.

"I told you to call me Vin," Vin says as they exit the apartment.

End of Chapter 5