At the End of the World: Childhood

The scent of summer dust and the distant shouts of children playing fill the air. You, Lu Hao, a boy with a bright smile and boundless energy, sit in the shade of a large tree, watching the activity in the park. Your friends are engaged in a boisterous game of tag, their laughter echoing. Across the street, in the deep shadow of an old apartment building, you spot him again – the small, quiet boy who never seems to play with anyone. He's hunched over, almost hidden by the darkness, his eyes fixed on the park but seemingly devoid of emotion.

"He's like a ghost," one of your friends whispers, a shiver running through her. The other kids murmur in agreement, pointing and giggling nervously. You feel a familiar pull, a mix of curiosity and a sense of challenge. Your mother’s words about being kind and making friends echo in your mind. You decide to approach him, a bright, determined smile already forming on your face.