ROOM 12

ROOM OF SCARSThere are lives that begin with laughter…And there are lives that begin with silence.Ethan’s life began in silence.Not the peaceful kind—but the kind that feels like something is missing before you even understand what “missing” means.He grew up in a house that never really felt like home. The walls stood, the roof covered him, and food sometimes found its way to the table but warmth was rare. Conversations were short. Smiles were forced. And love… love was almost nonexistent.He learned early that not everyone is born into comfort.Some are born into survival.A Child Who Learned Too EarlyWhile other children ran freely, Ethan watched.He watched how people spoke.How they laughed.How they connected.And he wondered why it felt so difficult for him to do the same.At school, he was just another face. Not the smartest. Not the loudest. Not the favorite.Invisible.Teachers rarely called his name unless it was necessary.Classmates knew him, but not enough to care.He wasn’t disliked.He just… wasn’t chosen.And sometimes, being ignored...