City of Exotic Beasts.

Summary

In a sweltering summer, five-year-old Orange is engrossed in a handheld game while the cicadas buzz outside. When her father, usually attentive, fails to respond to her call for help in the game, she rushes to find him. Instead, she discovers him injured and cold, announcing he must leave. This dream jolts her awake, revealing her captain beside her. Later, three men arrive at a grim neighborhood to recruit a writer named Grigio. They bring gifts, but Grigio is initially dismissive. However, a conversation about literature softens his demeanor, leading him to invite them in.

Full content