Well, here is the first chapter to my headcanon of what Mono's past would be like. I'm honestly a little nervous because pretty much the only character recognizable is Mono. I don't own Little Nightmares. Location and the rest of the characters are my ideas though.

Warning for this chapter: lots of bullying.

Chapter 1: Lonely

Dark, gloomy, miserable. These were the best words to describe the atmosphere surrounding the Orphanage. It was a large two-story building built far from the Pale City and near the forest. It wasn't far enough to stay out of reach of the Transmission - but the humming was weaker here. Because of where the Orphanage was built, rarely did one catch a glimpse of sunlight - not even in the middle of summer. Even if sunlight could be seen, it was a rare occurrence. The orphans would usually wake up to the gray clouds and sleep with their last image being the midnight sky. It wasn't a good home, but it was all the boy of six years could remember. For six years, Mono had lived here.

Waking up early in the morning, the child slowly sat up in bed, feeling groggy. Tiredly rubbing his dark eyes awake, the boy sighed to himself. It was that weird dream again. It wasn't a nightmare, just a weird dream... and it would always nag at him. He didn't recall anything out of the ordinary, but Mono felt like he was waiting for someone. No, that wasn't right. It wasn't that he was waiting for someone - more like he was yearning to meet with them. The dream was always the same, too.

He was looking at someone, a child? He couldn't tell because everything about them was a blur. In his dream, no words came out, there was just the blurry image. Was it a dream? Maybe it was a memory... a long-forgotten memory? That didn't make sense. It must be a dream then. He was reaching out his right hand and curling all his fingers except for the pinky. It was possible he was talking, but again, no words could be heard. The child, whoever they were, seemed to agree with whatever promise was made. They also curled all fingers except their right pinky. Together, both of their littlest fingers interlocked.

That was it. That was how his dream ended. Was that why he felt that longing to meet? Was that the promise? Was the child in his dream the person he was searching for? Try as he might, Mono couldn't make out any details of the child at all. That made it extremely frustrating.

Hearing the bell, Mono sighed. It must be eight in the morning. Time to get ready for class and chores.

After getting out of bed and dressing in his uniform, the boy pulled a rolling step stool across to open the door. Tugging on the door handle and pushing the barrier until it was wide enough for him to slip through, he grabbed his school books and walked up the stairs to the main hall. There, the Director stood in front of the stairs as many of the orphans gathered around. He stood straight, his bloated body dressed in dull green clothes. His dark hair was combed back neatly and his eyes were an icy blue and it felt like they could pierce through anything. A very intimidating man, but Mono didn't think he was as bad as the younger children made him out to be.

Seeing the six-year-old, the Director burst out with that booming voice of his, "Good morning, Mono."

"Morning, Director," the boy mumbled awkwardly.

In the Orphanage, none of the children would speak to the man. However, the Director was the only person who had interacted with Mono that he could remember. It was a little awkward that the person who built the Orphanage would talk to him while other children had only spoken ill of the man. It made Mono stand out among the rest, but he felt it was because the orphans didn't interact with the Director enough, which led to the talk of the man being cruel and unkind.

"My boy, what is bothering you?" the Director inquired. "You seem distracted."

"I feel like I'm waiting for someone - to meet with them," Mono answered, frowning as he tried to understand that nagging feeling.

"Your parents, perhaps?"

"Hmm... maybe." The boy pondered. Something started to bug him aside from his dreams as he asked curiously, "What happened to Mother and Father?"

"Did I not tell you?" The Director frowned. Upon receiving a shaking head, he smiled, "Ah, I'm afraid your parents are too poor at the moment to care for you. But one day, they shall return to pick you up."

Hearing the news caused the boy's eyes to gleam as he gasped in awe, "Really?"

He never knew that. From what he could remember, he was told that he was dropped off at the Orphanage. But he was never told why. The prospect of them returning to pick him up was a treat! What would they look like? What were they like? Did he look more like his father? His mother? He didn't know, but meeting them sounded exciting! A faint smile started to spread on the boy's face. He would be looking forward to meeting his parents one day!

"Yes, now hurry up or you'll be late for class. Up the stairs you go!"

Nodding his head, Mono ran up the stairs and took a left to the classroom. Entering the room, the boy tried to find a seat and immediately settled for the left-most one in the middle row. It was the only place with a window that allowed him to see the outside, despite its dull colors. Placing his books down as he waited for an adult, Mono first looked at the empty chair beside him before turning his gaze to observe as children filled the room. While they were free to choose where they wanted to sit, most of the younger kids chose to sit in the front while the older kids sat in the back. There was a mix in the ages because the moment a child turned six, they went to class for the first time.

For Mono, it had been a few months since his sixth birthday. He had hoped that someone would sit next to him, but no one did. While he was disappointed, he liked to think well of the other children. Maybe they had friends they wanted to sit with. Looking at the empty chair next to him again, Mono wondered when someone would sit with him. When would he make a friend? The long tables provided enough room for a pair. All the other tables were filled but his. Half-filled and half-empty.

Finally, an adult stepped into the classroom and the boy couldn't help but sigh. Class was starting. No more children would be entering the room or finding seats. The day usually started with a short lecture before everyone could go to the cafeteria for breakfast. Then back to class until lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent doing chores and how quickly you finished would affect how much free time you got for the rest of the day.

Class was quickly over and many of the kids quickly rushed out of the classroom, leaving their books behind. No need to bring them since they would return later. Everyone's minds were focused on breakfast. Despite the quality of food being poor, it was better than nothing.

~oOo~

It was usually first come, first served. Despite the food being terrible, there were a few kinds that probably tasted better than the others. Many of the kids would sprint to the cafeteria to get their pick before someone else claimed their prize.

Being one of the few to enter last, Mono just picked whatever was left from the pile - a can of baked beans. While the boy wasn't a picky eater, always picking a different can for his meals, he wished the Orphanage could provide more fresh food.

Maybe the Director cannot provide a cook, Mono thought.

Hugging the can, the boy began to carry it to a table. He had memorized the layout of the cafeteria to know where he should go. Tables close to the exit were for older kids because they were taller and tables further away were for younger kids just like Mono. The problem wasn't finding a table, but carrying the food. It was hard to do since the can was his size and his little arms would shake, barely supporting the weight of the food inside. Regardless, a few months had the boy build endurance to carry his meal.

Finally reaching the shorter table and setting his breakfast down, Mono sat down to catch his breath before looking at the large tools in front of him. There weren't proper utensils that were children's size, however, the boy decided to make good use of the spoon by using it like a bowl. It's not like he could finish everything in the can anyway, but it would help with making it less heavy. A can could provide Mono four meals. Scooping up some beans, the child ate absentmindedly as he looked at the other children. Part of him hoped that someone would want to befriend him so they could share food, but so far, no one had approached him. Was it because he was too shy? Too passive? Maybe he should try approaching someone instead.

It's decided! I'll try after I get my free time! the boy declared with determination.

After filling up his stomach, the boy stood up to peered at the inside of the can. He had eaten one-fourth of the content. It would be a waste to throw it out, so Mono decided to carry it back to his room. There was still time before breakfast was over. Throwing the adult spoon away and pushing the lid closed, the boy picked up his can and started to exit the room. With his sight blocked by the can, he didn't see someone sticking out their foot at the doorway.

"Wha-?" he cried as he fell face-first on the floor, his grip on the can failing. Rubbing his forehead, he muttered, "Ow..."

"Look, it's lonely Mono!" a voice teased.

Looking up, Mono could see a boy - an older boy. He looked to be about fourteen years old. Stormy gray eyes, brown hair, and a smug smile. Unlike many skinny children Mono had seen, the boy in front of him was so plump that his uniform looked like it could burst. This older boy was apparently well-fed. The younger child only frowned at the orphan. This boy was often seen sitting at the back of the class with his friends. His name... his name was…

"Who are you?" Mono asked curiously.

The orphan scowled at that question. The hostile expression made the little boy cringe in fear as he was being lifted up from the ground by his collar. Gray eyes glaring at frightened dark eyes. The older boy was smirking all of sudden, which confused Mono.

"Quint is my name and you better remember it, weakling." The orphan introduced himself as he released his grip on Mono, letting the boy fall back to the ground.

The older children started to laugh, pointing at the bullied victim. Being laughed at, Mono frowned as his confusion grew. Quint had turned his attention to the fallen can and picked it up in one arm with ease. Opening the can, he examined the content inside.

"That's mine. Give it back!" Getting onto his feet, the six-year-old tried to reach for his can.

Quint only responded by raising the can higher, watching in amusement as Mono tried to grab it. "Sure, you can have it back."

Confused by the sudden kindness, Mono stood back, expecting Quint to give him back the can. Instead, the bully hovered the can above the little boy's head before pouring baked beans onto him. The older children were backing away from him as others in the cafeteria started to become curious, peeking around the door to see what was going on.

Not sure how to react with having his breakfast dumped all over him, Mono looked at Quint, "Why did you do that?"

"Because it's fun, lonely Mono!"

Looking down, the bullied boy felt his heart hurting. Quint may be having fun, but he wasn't. Instead of fun, he felt sad. He also didn't like the name calling. Somehow, the mean words hurt more than when he had fallen.

"Aw, look, Quint! I think the weakling is starting to cry!"

"Really?" Quint questioned, leaning over to catch a look. "He is! Don't you know, lonely Mono? If you cry, that just proves you are weak! You're pathetic!" As if to prove his point, the older orphan kicked the boy. It was so sudden that Mono found himself sprawled on his back. Before he could get up, Quint had his foot pressed down against his chest, forcing him to stay on the floor. "You're a weakling, so you are below me. Remember that, friendless Mono."

Taking his foot off Mono, the bully ordered his friends to leave, as they needed to return to class soon. Sitting up, Mono rubbed the tears out of his eyes. Friendless... lonely... those words were true, but they hurt. Shaking his head to clear the thoughts away, the boy looked at the mess that had been made. He'd have to clean it up during his chores. But first, he'd have to clean himself. He couldn't go to class covered in beans. Getting to his feet, the boy rushed to the bathroom.

~oOo~

In class, everyone stared at Mono when he entered. He had managed to clean up, but with the short time window, he couldn't get rid of the smell that remained. Seeing children whispering into each other's ears made the boy feel self-conscious. He could still make friends, right?

Getting to his desk, the first thing Mono noticed was the writing on the wooden surface. The boy was glad that he couldn't read the writing. However, he could tell without understanding the words that it was probably mean things about him. It was distracting. The second thing that was amiss were his books. Some of the pages were missing, having been ripped out.

Turning to look behind his shoulder, Mono could see Quint chatting with his friends. The boy wanted to know. Why was he being picked on? However, an adult entered, signalling for everyone to sit down and be quiet. Trying to pay attention, Mono would occasionally feel his head being pelted by paper balls. He wasn't sure how he should feel. Guilty? Annoyed? Anxious? Sad? Angry? The lecture felt so drawn out that when the bell rang for lunch, Mono sighed in relief. It was over, right? He wouldn't have to endure any more, right?

Waiting until he was the last in the classroom, Mono picked up the paper balls and unwrapped them. They were his missing pages. Putting them inside of his books, Mono decided to take them back to his room. The trip was quick and by the time he'd returned to the cafeteria, there was still some food left. Not wanting a repeat of what had happened in the morning, the boy decided to find someplace else to eat his lunch. However, there weren't many empty rooms for him to eat in peace in, so Mono retreated to his room.

However, before he could open the can of vegetable soup, Mono suddenly didn't feel the urge to eat. Maybe the morning's incident had him feeling down? Sighing, the boy pushed the can away. He could always eat later. Right now, he wanted to do his chores and get them out of the way. Everyone was in the cafeteria, so Mono was able to clean the mess of baked beans with ease. Next, he wiped the writing from his desk in the classroom. Around that time, other children had begun to start on their chores as well. However, Mono had a headstart and was able to finish the rest of his chores before the others. With plenty of free time, the boy cleaned himself properly and waited for the other children to finish. After a few minutes, a group of children went to play with a deck of cards, sitting at a corner of the main hall.

Trying to approached the group of orphans around his age, he gave a friendly wave, "Hi." They looked at him and to Mono's disappointment, resumed to their game as if he wasn't there. Still, he tried to make friends with them, "Um... can I play with you?"

"Did you hear something, Ace?" a girl inquired of a boy.

"Nope. Must be your imagination, Deci," the boy answered.

"Let's move. I don't like this location," the girl, Deci, suggested as the group of children got up and left.

All alone, but the boy didn't give up. He tried again and again... and again... but it was the same result. The orphans would just leave or ignore him. Finally, Mono felt his shoulders slump as his stubbornness faded… Why? Why didn't anyone want to be his friend? Was it because no one liked him? A heavy feeling was building up in his chest as the boy looked down at the floor.

"Aw, lonely Mono doesn't have any friends!" Hearing that familiar voice, the boy turned to see Quint and his group of friends grinning. Walking up to the eldest boy, Mono mumbled something. "Huh? What was that? I can't hear you!"

"Why?" Mono raised his voice a little.

"Why what?" Quint questioned.

"Why are you being mean to me?"

"Hmm, let's see... I don't know. Maybe it's because I don't like you!" the bully sneered. "Something is telling me that you're different and I don't like it. That's why I don't like you. That's why no one likes you!"

Feeling hurt, Mono was about to leave until one of Quint's friends blocked his way. He tried again, but one by one, all exits were blocked. Turning around to face Quint, the boy frowned. "Let me leave..."

"No. You wasted my free time by asking your stupid questions, so I'm going to have fun," Quint replied as he grabbed the boy's arm roughly.

Being dragged into the empty cafeteria, Mono tried struggling despite it being futile. He tried to plant his feet on the floor, but it was useless. What were the tormentor and his friends going to do? Panic started to settle in the child's mind as he tried desperately to pull his arm free.

When that didn't work, he demanded, "Let go!"

His demand was ignored as the boy was forced to take a seat. He tried to get up, but the other children were keeping him from leaving. Looking at the remaining leftovers, Quint took all the cans and began opening them up. He started to mix some of the food and it looked disguising. Some of the cans had liquid and the bully was even mixing that! Just the sight made the young child feel sick. Once Quint has finished, he turned to look at his victim with a smile on his face.

"I didn't see you during lunch, you know. You must be feeling hungry." The older boy was carrying the mixed food in his hands. "It's important to not skip meals."

Understanding what Quint was getting at, Mono frantically shook his head as the other orphans laughed. With the cans placed in front of his face, the child wanted to gag from the smell. His stomach was telling him to not eat it. He didn't have a choice. The bully had grabbed a spoonful of food and his friends were forcing Mono to eat. Tasting the forced food that was entering his mouth, the boy tried to turn his head away but couldn't. The combination of sweet, umami, and bitter didn't go well together. It was confusing his taste buds and Mono felt an urge building up in his throat as he was forced to swallow.

"Not hungry? Then I bet you are thirsty." Quint grabbed the can that held the mixed liquid.

Shaking his head, Mono tried to cover his mouth. Amused, the older boy pinched his nose to cut off his air supply. He couldn't hold his breath for long. Needing to breathe, the little boy gasped for oxygen only to have liquid poured into his mouth. Sardine juices and water from peaches was the final push. As if understanding what was about to happen, the other orphans released the boy.

Leaning on his side, Mono vomited the disgusting food and liquid he'd been forced to eat and drink. It had already been disgusting when it entered his mouth. The feeling doubled as it came back out. His throat and nose were burning up as his eyes started to water. His stomach continued to constrict until he felt empty inside. Coughing and panting, the boy started to feel light-headed. He wanted to pass out.

"Ew," Quint spoke. "That's so gross!"

"Did you see how much he spilled out?"

"It smells!"

Feeling a pat on the back, Mono cringed as Quint declared, "Well, I had my fun for today, friendless Mono. So I'll let you off for now, enjoy the rest of your free time."

Hearing Quint and his friends backing off, their footsteps getting further and further away until he couldn't hear them anymore, the boy sighed internally. He felt tired. He wanted to leave. However, he couldn't just leave a mess behind. Wiping the floor with some napkins and throwing them in the trash, the boy started to walk towards the exit, wanting to retreat to his room.

Is it finally over? Please let it be over. I can't take any more-

The boy stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Just kidding!"

~oOo~

Entering his room, Mono felt worn out. His clothes were smeared with food and he just felt horrible. As much as he would've liked to sleep, the boy needed to refresh himself and rid the filth that was all over him. Kicking his shoes off his feet and grabbing his night clothes, the child entered the bathroom. Despite that his room was a basement, he was grateful that it was designed to have a bathroom. After soaking in a nice hot bath in the sink and changing into his pajamas, Mono tried scrubbing the stains off his uniform.

Unfortunately, he didn't have any spare clothes. Children would only get new ones if they had outgrown their current ones. It would be a while before Mono outgrew his, so he'd have to clean the stains off. After a few minutes, the boy set out his uniform to dry. He glanced over at the can of vegetable soup. Despite his stomach growling, he decided not to listen to it. Vegetable soup... it mixed different food inside, right? Involuntarily shuddering, the boy turned his gaze away from the can. He couldn't eat mixed food, not after what had happened today. Single food, sure. Just not mixed food. Ignoring dinner, Mono climbed into bed as fatigue started to settle in his mind.

Please let me dream about that person again. I just want to forget what is going on around me... the boy begged as he collapsed onto the mattress.

In dreams, he could escape for a short time. He wanted to dream happily. He didn't want nightmares. They would scare him as much as reality did. But if he dreamt happily, he wouldn't want to wake up. Tiredly closing his eyes, Mono felt his mind drifting off into the dream world. The blurry image of that child appeared again. Who were they? Why did they always appear in his dreams? Would he ever meet them?

Who are you?

The image was still blurry, but it looked like the child was upset.

Why are you so sad? D-Did I do something that made you sad?

The child was flickering as the dream - the memory - was slipping through his fingers.

Wait! Don't go! Is it because I cannot remember? Don't leave me!

Gasping, Mono jolted awake as he sat up. Beads of sweat formed on his face as he panted from the intensity of his... dream? Nightmare? Memory? Feeling something wet on his hands, the boy realized he was crying. He felt sad. That child was sad. Why? It was because he couldn't remember. He was supposed to remember something important, but he had forgotten. Was the child sad because he couldn't remember them as well?

"I'm sorry..." he apologized. "I'm really sorry, but until I remember... please wait for me."