Shin had never known the warmth of a mother’s love. Found abandoned on a cold winter night, he was a tiny, shivering pup, his world reduced to a cardboard box and the indifferent gaze of passersby. Today, his fifth birthday, was a stark reminder of his solitary existence.

Five years of scavenging, of dodging cars, and of enduring the indifferent gaze of humans had etched lines of weariness on his young face. He was a survivor, a creature adapted to a harsh world. But survival was not living. It was a constant battle against hunger, cold, and loneliness.

There were no birthday cakes, no presents, no loving pats. Instead, there was the relentless gnawing of hunger, the cold bite of the night, and the emptiness that was a permanent companion. He was a ghost in the bustling city, a shadow that moved with the rhythm of the streets.

As the day wore on, a sense of despair washed over him. He watched as people walked their  dogs, their laughter and joy a stark contrast to his solitary existence. He longed for a simple touch, a kind word, a moment of connection. But the world was indifferent.

As night fell, Shin found a quiet spot beneath a bridge. The city lights were a distant, cold beauty, offering no warmth or comfort. He curled into a ball, his body trembling from cold and exhaustion. In the darkness, he dreamt of a family, of a warm home, of a loving touch. But when he woke, reality was a harsh slap in the face.

Another day had passed, another birthday marked by solitude. Shin was a survivor, a creature defined by resilience. Yet, in the depths of his young heart, a flicker of hope remained. Perhaps, just perhaps, tomorrow would be different.