**Chapter 1: The Return of a Troubled Past**

The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm orange glow over the small, cluttered house that Jay called home. The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil that brewed within its walls. Jay, a 14-year-old boy with a messy mop of dark brown hair and sparkling brown eyes, sat on the couch, his eyes fixed on the clock on the wall. He had been waiting for what felt like an eternity for his father's return. As he waited, Jay's mind wandered to his friends back at school. There was Andrew, his best friend, who was always awkward and anti-social, but had a heart of gold. Then there was Missy, Andrew's ex-girlfriend, who was smart and kind, with a quick wit and a love for robotics. Jessie, with her fiery red hair and freckled complexion, was always supportive of the LGBTQ and women's community, and had recently quit smoking weed. Matthew, the charming singer from the school choir, had a mean streak, but was sweet at times. Nick, the tallest kid in their grade, was a bit selfish, but had a good heart, and Jay's friend. Jay's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. Jay's eyes snapped towards the entrance, his heart racing with excitement. He had been waiting for this moment for over a year, and he couldn't believe it was finally here. He jumped up from the couch, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Dad!" Jay exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion. His father, a tall, imposing figure with a rugged jawline and piercing eyes, smiled weakly as he entered the room. Jay's heart swelled with love and adoration as he rushed towards his father. "Daddy, what are you doing?" Jay asked, his voice full of excitement. His father's smile faltered for a moment, before he replied, "Just finding some stuff to sell for money, kiddo." Jay's eyes widened as he saw the bag in his father's hand, filled with their finest china. He looked up at his father, confused. "Why do you need to sell our stuff, Daddy?" Jay asked, his voice laced with concern. His father's expression changed, a smirk spreading across his face as he turned to Jay. He knelt down, his eyes locked on Jay's, and Jay felt a shiver run down his spine. As his father shoved his fingers past his lips, Jay's eyes widened in alarm. He tried to pull away, but his father held him firm. "Hey, hey, I was just checking," his father said, his voice low and menacing. "You know, I could get a pretty penny if I sold you to the black market." Jay's eyes widened in horror as his father's words hung in the air. He felt a wave of fear wash over him, and his mind reeled with the implications. "Why would you sell me, Daddy? Do you not love me?" Jay sobbed out, his voice shaking with fear. His father's expression softened, and he reached out to pat Jay's head. "Oh, no, no, I love you, kiddo," his father said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "And if you do this for Daddy, I'll love you even more. All you need to do is let me sell you to some people, and you'll be back home in no time. Don't worry about it, okay?" Jay's eyes searched his father's face, desperate for reassurance. He nodded, his heart heavy with fear, and his father smiled. "Good boy," his father said, his voice low and menacing. "Now, let's go for a ride, okay?" Jay nodded, his mind racing with fear, as his father led him out of the house, towards a destination unknown. The last thing Jay remembered was the feeling of his father's hand on his shoulder, and the sound of his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. As the day wore on, Jay found himself drugged and trapped in a crate, his mind foggy and his body aching. He was alone, scared, and unsure of what the future held.