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In Greenfield, Alabama, a remote town, life moves at a slow pace.

The air was filled with the scent of grass and distant farmland.

The smell of disinfectant was even stronger in the town's only clinic than in the orphanage.

Young Mrs. Forrest, a single mother with a resolute face and eyes filled with worry and resilience, held her six-year-old son Forrest's hand tightly and sat opposite Dr. Christ, who was wearing a white coat and had a serious expression.

Forrest Gump seemed much quieter than other children his age. He opened his clear but slightly dull blue eyes and curiously looked at the glittering medical equipment in the examination room. His back had an unnatural hunch.

“Mrs. Forrest,” Dr. Christ adjusted his glasses, placed an assessment report on the table, and said with a professional regret, “we conducted a comprehensive intelligence test on Forrest. The results show that his IQ is approximately 75. By standard, this is… well, borderline. This means he may encounter more difficulties in his studies than the average child.”

Mrs. Forrest's lips tightened even more, and she unconsciously gripped Forrest's hand tighter.

She had long noticed her son's "difference," but when the number was clearly stated, her heart still felt like it had been pricked by a needle.

But she didn't show any signs of collapse; she simply straightened her back, as if no blow could make her bend over.

“My Forrest Gump… he was just a little slow to react, but he was a good boy.” Her voice was a little hoarse, but unusually firm.

“I understand how you feel, Mrs. Forrest.” Dr. Christ sighed and turned his gaze to Forrest’s back. “Also, we’ve discussed Forrest’s spinal problem before. Congenital scoliosis, if left untreated, will not only affect his posture but may also lead to more serious health problems in the future, and even… affect his mobility.”

He picked up a rather bulky-looking device made of metal strips and leather straps—leg braces custom-made for Forrest Gump.

“This device,” the doctor explained, “requires external force to help straighten his back, correct his curved spine, and promote its normal development. It will be very uncomfortable and even painful to wear at first, but it will help him to the greatest extent possible so that he can achieve basic, independent walking ability in the future. Otherwise, he may always need to rely on others, or he may only be able to move in this… contorted posture.”

Mrs. Furles Gan looked at the cold metal device, a pang of heartache flashing in her eyes, but she knew it was for her son's good.

She knelt down, looked at Forrest at eye level, and said in the gentlest tone she could, "Forrest, listen, baby. The doctor is going to put a special 'bracket' on you. It will help you so you can walk like other children. It might be a little uncomfortable, but Mommy will always be with you, okay?"

Forrest Gump looked at his mother with a puzzled expression, then at the strange device, nodded, and mumbled, "Mom said it's uncomfortable, but I'll be able to walk again later."

The process that followed was undoubtedly difficult for young Forrest Gump.

As the cold metal and hard leather pressed against his frail back and legs and were tightly secured, he writhed and made whimpering sounds due to the discomfort and constriction.

Mrs. Forrest held him tightly, constantly comforting him: "Bear with it, Forrest, my darling, so you can run and jump later..."

When the leg braces were finally on, Forrest Gump tried to stand up, but it was even more clumsy and difficult.

He had to get used to the feeling of being forcibly "straightened out," each step feeling like walking on cotton, or being pulled by an invisible force.

“Very good, Forrest Gump, that’s fine, take it slow,” Dr. Christ encouraged. “You need to wear it for a sufficient amount of time every day and come back for regular check-ups and adjustments. Mrs. Forrest, this requires a great deal of patience and perseverance.”

“I know, Doctor.” Mrs. Forrest Gump helped Forrest Gump, who was trying to take his first steps and was walking with difficulty, her eyes filled with unwavering determination. “I can do anything for my Forrest Gump. I always tell my son, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.’ But some flavors, we have to fight for ourselves.”

Supporting her son, who wore heavy leg braces and walked unsteadily but still tried his best, she slowly and firmly walked out of the clinic.

The townspeople might look at this "different" boy and his mother with strange or pitying eyes.

But with her resilience, Mrs. Forrest Gump created a small haven of hope and love for Forrest.

She knew the road ahead would be full of challenges for Forrest Gump, but she would never give up.

At this moment, no one could have predicted how this little boy, wearing leg braces and walking with difficulty, would run through decades of American history.

……

A few days later, one evening, the atmosphere in Mrs. Fleurs Gan's always tidy little living room was somewhat tense.

The principal of the town's primary school, the man who was always impeccably dressed and with whom she had a secret relationship, was sitting on the sofa, speaking with a self-righteous air of "concern."

“…Fleurs, I know you love Forrest Gump, and we’ve all seen your sacrifices.” The principal carefully chose his words, leaning forward slightly and lowering his voice. “But reality is cruel. Forrest Gump’s situation…you and I both know it. His intelligence, his physical condition…to put it bluntly, he may need someone to take care of him for the rest of his life, and it will be difficult for him to achieve anything like a normal child.”

Mrs. Fowles Gan paused, her hand holding the coffee pot stilled, and her face darkened, but she didn't react immediately; she just stared at him coldly.

The headmaster seemed oblivious to her change in mood, or perhaps he simply didn't care, and continued his "advice": "You're still young, Furles. Why not consider... having another child? A healthy, intelligent child could inherit the family business and... well, perhaps take care of Forrest Gump. After all, Forrest is... practically useless now; you can't put all your hopes on him alone."

The word "ruined" was like a poisoned dagger, piercing Mrs. Fowles Gan's heart.

She has always carefully protected her son's dignity, doing everything in her power to fight against the strange looks from the outside world and the cruel reality.

And this man, with whom she had an intimate relationship, so casually sentenced her beloved son to "death"!
"Enough!" Mrs. Furles Gan slammed the coffee pot down on the table with a loud bang, splashing scalding hot coffee out.

Her chest heaved violently as she pointed to the door, her voice trembling with anger, but her eyes sharp as knives: "Get out! Get out of my house right now!"

The principal was startled by this sudden outburst, a flash of embarrassment and anger crossing his face: "Fleurs, calm down! I'm just thinking of you, thinking of this family..."

“I don’t need your consideration!” Mrs. Forrest interrupted him sharply, each word seemingly squeezed out from between clenched teeth. “My Forrest is not a good-for-nothing! He is my son! Now, leave immediately! This is the end of our relationship!”

Under her angry glare, the principal stood up sullenly, straightened his suit, muttered "incomprehensible" under his breath, and left quickly with a disheveled look on his face.

The door slammed shut, and Mrs. Fowles Gan, as if all her strength had been drained, slid slowly to the floor, her back against the door.

The aftershocks of anger still lingered within her, but a deeper sense of sorrow and helplessness swept over her.

The man's words, though harsh and vicious, were like a needle, piercing through the strong shell she had been trying so hard to maintain, exposing the deepest fear in her heart...

She was afraid that when she got old and died, what would happen to Forrest Gump?
Who will take care of him?
Will he be bullied?
Will I end up alone?
Once this thought arises, it can never be stopped.

"Have another child?" she murmured to herself, then shook her head bitterly.

Not to mention that she was unwilling and would never give up on Forrest Gump because of his "flaws," the reality was that she couldn't afford to have any new ties with him.

But... what about adoption?

This idea was like a glimmer of light in the darkness.

Go to an orphanage and adopt a healthy child.

In this way, Forrest Gump would have a playmate, a brother, and the house would be more lively.

More importantly, if she raises the child carefully, the child might remember this kindness in the future and take care of Forrest Gump after she leaves, at least ensuring that Forrest Gump is not left alone in this world.

The idea became clearer and clearer, and more and more resolute.

She wasn't looking for someone to "replace" Forrest Gump, but rather to provide Forrest Gump's future with an extra layer of insurance and a warm connection.

A few days later, Mrs. Fowles Gan carefully composed herself and inquired about the situation of the nearby orphanage.

She chose the Green Creek Orphanage, which was not too far from Green Creek Town.

She hoped to adopt a child slightly younger than Forrest Gump, who appeared sensible and healthy. With a complex mix of hope, trepidation, and a heavy sense of responsibility, she embarked on her journey to Green Creek Orphanage.

She didn't know what kind of children she would meet there, nor did she know what unexpected future this decision would bring to her family, to Forrest Gump, and even to the chosen child.

She was simply a mother, instinctively and stubbornly wanting to pave as many paths as possible for her "different" son.

……

Mrs. Fowles Gan, dressed in an old but clean-washed dress and carrying a simple cloth bag, set off for Green Creek Orphanage.

The orphanage director, a kind-faced but shrewd-eyed middle-aged nun, received her.

In the simple yet oppressive office, the director explained the adoption process, requirements, and possible waiting time to Mrs. Fowles Gan.

“Mrs. Gan, we understand your needs. A healthy, well-behaved boy who can keep your son company, right?” The director flipped through the roster. “We have several children who meet the criteria, such as Tommy, who is eight years old and very lively; and Jamie, who is seven years old and relatively quiet…”

Mrs. Fowles Gan listened attentively, but her gaze unconsciously drifted through the office window to the courtyard outside.

The children were having their free time in the limited open space in the afternoon. Most of them were chasing and playing, or gathering in small groups.

However, her gaze was drawn to a figure sitting alone under a large oak tree in the distance.

It was an Asian boy with black hair and yellow skin, who looked to be about seven or eight years old.

He didn't play around like the other children, nor did he show the timidity or longing for attention often seen in orphanages.

He just sat there quietly, holding a small twig in his hand, seemingly drawing something on the ground.

The afternoon sunlight gave him a serene aura that seemed out of place with his surroundings.

What truly captivated Mrs. Forrest Gan was the boy's gaze...

It wasn't the naivety or innocence of a child this age, but rather a premature understanding and calmness, as if a soul that had experienced too much was imprisoned in this young body.

He would occasionally look up, his gaze sweeping over the playing children and the patrolling nuns. There was no envy or jealousy in his eyes, only a calm observation, as if he were analyzing something.

“Dean,” Mrs. Furles Gan couldn’t help but interrupt the dean’s introduction, pointing out the window, “that child… that oriental boy sitting under the oak tree, what’s his name?”

The dean looked in the direction she was pointing, a knowing look on his face, but also a complicated one: "Oh, you mean Su Ning! He's a... very special child. Yes, he's quiet, doesn't cause trouble, learns quickly, and is smarter than most children. But, Mrs. Gan, you should know that his race... in a place like Greenfield Town, might attract some... extra attention. And sometimes he's so quiet it's hard to understand."

“Suning…” Mrs. Furles Gan repeated the name in a low voice.

She ignored the dean's tactful reminder about race; as a single mother raising a "special" son alone, she was already used to all sorts of strange looks.

On the contrary, I feel that this child's calmness and those overly wise eyes might be exactly what Forrest Gump needed...

A partner who won't laugh at him, won't bully him, and might even guide him in some ways.

“Can I speak with him?” Mrs. Furles Gan asked.

"you sure?"

"I'm sure! I feel this child is special."

"Alright! I hope you have a pleasant conversation."

The dean was somewhat surprised, but still agreed.

But she still sent someone to call Su Ning in.

Su Ning walked into the office, her small frame standing ramrod straight.

He first bowed slightly to the dean, then looked at Mrs. Fowles Gan with his dark, calm eyes, without the usual unease of a child, but with politeness and a hint of barely perceptible inquiry.

“Hello, child.” Mrs. Forrest Gump knelt down, trying to look him in the eye, her tone gentle and sincere. “My name is Forrest Gump, you can call me Mrs. Gump. I live in Greenfield, and I have a son named Forrest. He… he’s a little special and needs friends. Would you… come home with me and become part of our family, be Forrest’s brother?”

She didn't beat around the bush; she directly and frankly stated her purpose for coming and her family situation.

She believed that sincerity was the best way to communicate with this seemingly exceptionally intelligent child.

Looking at the woman in front of him with her resolute eyes and sincere tone, Su Ning's mind quickly flashed back to fragments of memories about "Forrest Gump" and Forrest Gump's great mother.

He hadn't expected the system's arrangement to be so direct, allowing him to get close to key figures in the world in this way.

After a few seconds of silence, the dean next to him became somewhat nervous.

Then he looked up and answered clearly, his voice, though childlike, was unusually steady: "Yes, Mrs. Gan. I do."

There was no cheering, no tears, only a calm acceptance as if it had been expected all along.

Mrs. Fowles Gan looked into his eyes, which seemed to see right through people, and the last trace of hesitation in her heart disappeared.

She was convinced that this special child was the answer God had arranged for her and Forrest Gump.

"From now on, I will be your mother."

"Okay, Mom."

Mrs. Fries Gan stood up with relief and said firmly to the director beside her, "Director, I've made up my mind. I want to adopt this child, Suning."

"Ok."

The process of completing the formalities went more smoothly than I had imagined.

As Mrs. Fries Gan led Suning out of the Green Creek Orphanage, the sunlight shone directly on them.

She looked down at her new son. His face was still expressionless, but the little hand holding hers carried a strange, reassuring power.

“We’re home, Suning,” Mrs. Forrest said softly, her voice filled with anticipation for the future. “Go see your brother, Forrest.”

Su Ning nodded, his gaze drifting towards the distant Green Town.

My own Forrest Gump adventure truly begins from this moment on.

He will integrate into this familiar yet unfamiliar history under the new identity of "Forrest Gump's brother".

The first step was to meet the "foolish" younger brother who was destined to run his whole life.

...(End of chapter)