"You're looking all bright and cheery today." Gray glanced at Sato while holding onto the steering wheel. Although his Gale X car has a driverless function, he likes the feeling of having control over the vehicle.
"Of course! We are going to see the children! Why wouldn't I be excited!" Sato responded enthusiastically.
He had woken up bright and early with Gray. Disregarding their usual hike, Sato dragged Gray into the car and wanted to head off immediately. If there was one thing that Sato liked as much or maybe even more than gaming, it would be the interaction with children. The orphanage was his haven, a safe place for the fast-paced and cutthroat society.
Humming along a familiar tune by The Sirens, anyone could tell that the boy was on track to a good day. The drive went by quickly and they were only a short minute away from the orphanage.
"Remember how I told you that I have a surprise for you?" Gray finally asked the excited Sato.
"Yeah what is it?"
"Well, you can see for yourself, right.. When we turn this corner." Gray turned the steering wheel smoothly, that would drive into the lane where the orphanage was. The hint suggested Sato to look to his right, allowing him to get a peek for himself.
As the came to a slow down, the once rundown-looking building had a new paint job over it, breathing new life to the Orphanage. The crusty white paint had transformed into a white victorian church that gold outlines on the edges.
The two buildings on the sides of the church had also been painted over. In addition, the once weathered sunflower paintings, had been reborned as a more lifelike image. The painting instilled sunflowers being blown by the summer wind as it shook side-to-side carefreely.
To carry on the painting, the rough concrete grounds of the compound had been entirely replaced with grass fields that stretched across the entire compound. Only a pathway that led from the gate to the building, was left without life. Even the fences and sides of the compound had been lined with flowering plants. It would blossom when spring came and by then, the whole orphanage would look even more beautiful.
All these were nice and pleasant to look at, but the cherry on the cake was definitely the newly built playground. Decked up with safer and more fun equipment, the playground was perfect for the young children to play on during the warmer months. If today wasn't suddenly so cold, the children would not hesitate to come out and play.
"You.. Did you do this?" Sato stepped out of the car, unable to believe what he was seeing in front of him. It had only been around a month since he had last visited this place. Yet, it was almost unrecognisable.
"Do you like the surprise?" Gray stood beside Sato and examined the shocked expression on the young man's face. This was what he lived for. He lived for Sato's reactions.
"Are you kidding? Of course I like this surprise!" Sato turned to his right as he wrapped himself around the bigger sized man.
"Thank you! Really, thank you for everything!" Sato leaned his head on Gray's chest.
He was very grateful for everything that Gray had done. Although he was only doing it to make Sato happy, Sato was still thankful for his help. Gray's impacts had not only made his life better, but had allowed for the children in the orphanage to have a better childhood.
"It's my pleasure, Sato." Gray rubbed Sato's head lovingly, continuing to speak afterwards, "Now, it is time for the great unveil. Come over here with me."
Gray held onto Sato's hand as he lead the boy to the wall beside the Orphanage gate. In the past, all the wall had was a worn out, old sign with the Orphanage's name. Now, hung on there was a large rectangular plaque, covered by a white cloth. The cloth masked the words on the plaque.
Sato looked at Gray confusingly. What could be underneath the cloth that was so special? Gray smiled cryptically and nudged him on, "Well don't just stand there. Go on and remove the cloth."
Obediently, Sato went ahead and lifted the cloth off the plague. The plaque was made out of a high quality hardwood with many layers of varnish protection. There were words carved into it before being lined with gold on the markings.
It read, "The Sunflower Orphanage."
Below the name read, "In collaboration with The Miracle Foundation. Founded by Sato Takahashi and Gray Tobion."
Sato was surprised after seeing what was engraved on the plaque. It wasn't his name that made him so shocked, but the Foundation that Sunflower Orphanage had collaborated with.
The Miracle Foundation was a world famous organisation that specialised in Child Adoption. The founders of the organisation were all famous entertainers and powerful businessman that wanted to help give children a home. Using their extensive connections, they would be able to find a suitable home for orphans and give the child a chance to have a family of their own.
Usually, only the famous and long running orphanages in the world would be able to collaborate with the Miracle Foundation. This was expected as there were far too many orphanages in the world and they couldn't just work with everyone. Seeing that The Sunflower Orphanage was able to work with them, Sato knew that Gray played the biggest role in this.
"This plaque.. I.. Thank you, Gray." Sato turned and smiled at Gray as he continued, "I thank you on behalf of the children from Sunflower Orphanage."
Indeed, this surprise on the plaque was far more special than the renovation of the entire building. The reason for that was simple. The orphanage was supposed to be a temporary haven for the orphans. If the orphan was not able to be adopted by a family, they would have no choice, but to leave the place when they are older. As such, a collaboration was most needed, especially for an unknown small orphanage.