Sam grew up in Larkins Orphanage, tucked away in the eastern parts of America—a place where stories ended before they ever began. But for Sam, Jack, and Michael, life had always meant one thing: each other.
The three of them had been inseparable since birth. They made a promise when they were old enough to understand what it meant—a vow never to leave each other, no matter what. And they kept it. Through punishments, hunger, cold winters, and long nights, they stood side by side.
Until the day that promise broke.
Michael was chosen for adoption.
They had all feared it would happen one day. Adoption was the only escape the orphanage allowed, and they'd always found ways to dodge it—faking illnesses, hiding during visit days, doing just enough to remain overlooked. But this time, the caregivers were ready. They locked Sam in his room, knowing he was too smart to let Michael go without a fight. Jack, who never caused trouble, was simply told to stay out of it.
And he did.
That was the day Jack changed.
He told Sam he wanted to be adopted too. No plan. No promise. No tunnel. Just a shrug and the words Sam would never forget:
> "I also have a life to live."
Sam didn't speak. He didn't scream or cry. He just stood there—frozen in place for three full hours—numb, as the weight of betrayal sank into his chest like a stone.
Later, the caregivers were thrilled by Jack's sudden interest in adoption. They praised him for "breaking free of Sam's influence." Jack, ever the golden boy now, even told them about Sam's escape plan—how he was going to flee the night after Michael's adoption ceremony.
They locked Sam up again, harder this time.
Days passed. Five in total. Sam was still confined to his room, alone with his rage and heartbreak. Jack moved freely through the halls, proudly preparing for his adoption.
But deep down, Sam knew Jack had planned it all—waiting for Michael's departure to trigger the moment. A lucky coincidence that became his perfect excuse to leave.
Sam tried to lie to himself, saying he didn't care. That he didn't need anyone. But he knew the truth: he was alone now. And worse, the only people he had ever opened up to had turned their backs on him.
All he had left was escape.
And a new tunnel.
He had found another way out—beneath the orphanage, through the basement. His plan was set. He would wait for the perfect time: 9:30, just after curfew, when the guards would be at their weakest.
But fate wasn't finished with him yet.
Because just outside, down a dark alley and on the run from police, a group of thieves spotted the orphanage—the one place quiet enough to hide in plain sight.
Unlucky coincidence… or something worse?
Either way, Sam's escape was about to be derailed by something no one saw coming.