Raleigh's past has never really been mentioned, well at least his relationship with his family. He was abandoned and then that was the end of it. I've decided to give a short bit of insight.

Past Times



They never really wanted me.

“Mama, I’m sorry mama, I’m sorry.”

“You useless stupid child! You can’t do anything right, can you?”

A five-year-old Raleigh cringed away from the hit, his arms lifted in a half-hearted attempt to protect himself. Spilled milk soaked into his socks, chilling his feet. The pain of the slap caused him to give a small, pitiful cry that he had tried desperately to bite back. A red mark bloomed across his cheek. Raleigh trembled, fought his tears and continued to apologize even after his mother had left the room.

“I’m sorry mama, I’m so sorry.”

I was never good enough, never smart enough.
I was their unwanted, stupid child.
But I loved them.
I craved just a hint of warmth.

“Look mama, I made you a heart.”

“That’s nice.”

With no expression she took the paper heart and placed on the bench beside her. Raleigh smiled hopefully and when he got no further reply tentatively left the kitchen. He was watching from the doorway when she picked up the heart again, looked it over and then threw it in the bin.

I knew only an overwhelming loneliness.
As I grew they barely noticed my existence,
except for when I took the brunt of their frustration,
... until...

Mother was weeping. Raleigh was past tears as he stared at the scattered remains of his first creation; a creature made from an old stool, born from fear and loneliness. His father was heaving in huge breaths, an axe held in a white knuckled grip.

“Get rid of him.”

His voice was low and guttural, filled with loathing.

Ten years old and I was abandoned in the heart of the city,
I disappeared into the alleywaysl
I learnt how to feed myself and keep hidden,
And waited.