"Cain't nobody never love me, not really," Lem said as he wiped a few tears from his eyes with his right sleeve. It was getting late, and through the bitter tears he had managed to eat the bread he had stolen. It wasn't that he wanted to steal it, but he had been around that town for a few days and the coming fall had decimated the few berries and things that could normally be harvested as food. On his left arm was a noticeable bruise, the shape of a large adult's hand. He had caught Lem in the act, had grabbed him harshly. All he could do was drop everything but the bread and run as fast as he could.

Davy chirped comfortingly, trying his best to improve Lem's mood. Unfortunately it wouldn't be of any help.

Little did either of them know that a little over eleven years ago, a couple from North Carolina had heard about a scientific corporation that was soliciting bi-species couples for an experiment. Of all the "lucky" couples that applied, Lem's parents had been selected for their bond and their genetics. The two had met while Lem's mother was in college. His father owned a coffee shop, and she frequented it. The two, despite disapproval from their parents, were married and Lem's mother graduated and became a teacher. They wanted to have a child more than anything, and when they thought that there was even the smallest chance of that happening, they jumped at it. The corporation never let them know that Lem was born, his fetus carried in a surrogate employed by the corporation. Lem, who will never meet them, knows that no one could ever love him, but sadly, in truth, these two love him more than anything in the world.

Art by Kitsunewaffles-chan from FA