The final days of daycare are passing by, and Lily is making the most of her last moments with her friends. But something's different about Mina. She's been quieter than usual, her usual playful demeanor now overshadowed by a sense of sadness. Lily notices her friend's growing melancholy, and the concern in her heart grows stronger with each passing day.
One morning during snack time, Lily can't hold back anymore. She sits down next to Mina, who's fidgeting with her food, lost in thought.
"Hey, Mina, are you okay? You're not like your usual self today," Lily asks softly, her voice filled with worry.
Mina glances at Lily, her expression distant. "I'm just thinking... You know, Lily, everyone here is getting adopted. Except for me. It makes me wonder if anyone ever will."
Lily's heart sinks at the sadness in her friend's voice. She reaches out, placing a hand on Mina's. "I'm sure someone will come for you soon. You're amazing, Mina! People just have to see how special you are."
Mina forces a half-smile, her eyes still clouded with doubt. "I guess... But maybe I'm too old. Maybe no one wants a kid who's already five."
Lily shakes her head, eyes wide in disbelief. "What? No way! You're great, Mina. People love you!"
Mina's voice softens as she looks down at her snack. "But... It seems like everyone wants younger kids. The little ones always go first. I'm just... too big now."
Lily is quiet for a moment, taking in her friend's words. She doesn't know how to fix it, but she knows one thing for sure: Mina deserves a family.
Later that morning, Lily brings up the idea to her dad over breakfast. She watches him closely as he listens, his brow furrowed in thought. Lily, full of hope, leans forward.
"Dad... what if we adopted Mina? What if she could live with us?" Lily asks, her voice a mix of excitement and hope.
David pauses, his fork halfway to his mouth. He sets it down carefully and looks at her. "You mean adopt her as part of our family?"
Lily nods eagerly, her eyes bright with the dream of giving Mina the home she deserves. "Yeah! She's always been there for me, and I want her to be happy. We could make her feel loved, right?"
David's gaze softens, but there's a trace of hesitation in his eyes. "It's a big decision, sweetie. But we can't just act on a whim. We have to make sure Mina would want this too."
Lily looks down, her voice barely a whisper. "I think she would, Dad. She's always there for me... I don't want her to be sad anymore."
As David listens to his daughter, he can't help but reflect on the harsh reality of adoption. He knows that many families prefer younger children. He's seen how quickly the little ones get chosen, and it makes him wonder if Mina's age could make her less likely to be adopted.
Internal Dialogue (David's thoughts):
"It's not so simple. I'm sure Lily wants to help, and she's got a good heart, but... Mina's already five. Most families want younger kids. I've seen how quickly the little ones are chosen. Mina's age could make it harder for her to find a home. I wonder if that's something she's aware of. If it's not too late for her... I just hope we're not too late to give her a chance."
That evening, David and Lily visit the orphanage. They sit in the quiet, dimly lit lobby, the air thick with anticipation. This is the moment. It's time to bring up the idea of adopting Mina.
Lily turns to Mina, her heart pounding in her chest. "Mina... Dad and I talked, and we were wondering... would you want to come live with us? Become part of our family?"
Mina blinks in surprise, her eyes wide. "You mean it? You really want me to come live with you?"
David smiles gently, his voice soft. "We do. But only if that's what you want. We want you to feel happy and loved."
Mina hesitates, looking down at her hands. She picks at her fingers nervously, unsure of what to say. "I don't know... What if no one else wants me because I'm too old? I'm already five. Maybe no one wants a kid that big..."
Lily reaches out and gently grabs Mina's hands. "You're not too big, Mina! I love you just the way you are. And so does Dad. We just want you to feel happy."
David watches Mina carefully, his voice softening. "It's not always easy to find a home for older kids. I know it's a little different. But we want you, Mina. You're never too old for us."
Mina looks between them, her eyes full of uncertainty but also a glimmer of hope. She's been waiting for a family, and here it is, standing right in front of her. After a long silence, she finally speaks, her voice quiet but filled with emotion.
"I think... I think I would like that. I want to be part of your family, Lily. And Dad. I want to be with you."
Lily's face lights up with joy, her smile wide and full of excitement. "Really? You want to come with us? We'll have so much fun!"
David, holding back tears, pulls Mina into a gentle hug. "We're so happy, Mina. Welcome to the family."
The next day, the final day at daycare, is filled with bittersweet goodbyes. The other children gather around Mina, offering their well wishes as she prepares to leave. There's an air of sadness, but also a sense of excitement for the new chapter she's about to start.
Lily looks at Mina, her eyes bright with love. "Mina's going home with us! She's part of our family now!"
Mina, smiling through her tears, waves to her friends. "Thanks, everyone. I'm going to miss you all so much!"
The other kids call out in unison, "We're going to miss you too, Mina! Good luck with your new family!"
Their teacher, standing by the door, offers a kind smile. "Mina, Lily, David, we wish you all the best. You're going to make such wonderful memories together."
After the final goodbyes, Lily and Mina walk hand in hand, David by their side. The weight of the day is heavy, but the future ahead feels brighter. As they walk away from the daycare, the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the road ahead.
"This is the best day ever, Mina! We're family now!" Lily exclaims, her excitement bubbling over.
Mina smiles softly, the first real smile in what feels like forever. "Yeah, we are. Thank you, Lily. And thank you, Dad."
The three of them walk together into the sunset, ready to begin a new life filled with love and hope, and a future brighter than they ever imagined.