Chapter 4: A New Beginning
The morning was quieter than usual at the orphanage. The sunlight gently filtered through the windows, bathing the breakfast room in a warm glow. Shin, as usual, was focused on his bowl of porridge, watching the other kids chat amongst themselves, their faces relaxed. Raiden, on the other hand, was quietly observing him, his gaze thoughtful.
It was then that Hiwari, her face beaming with excitement, approached the table. A small smile hovered on her lips.
— Shin, Raiden... I have something to tell you, she said, her voice cheerful.
The two boys looked up at the same time, surprised. Shin immediately noticed the excitement in her eyes.
— What is it? Raiden asked, curious but still relaxed.
Hiwari sat down next to Shin, her hands a little nervous, but her gaze was filled with genuine happiness.
— Well... I've been adopted. A family wants to take me in, she said with a smile that lit up her face.
Shin felt a strange mix of happiness and relief for her. It was great news, but there was that unshakeable feeling that bothered him. Still, he wasn't going to ruin the moment.
— That's amazing, Hiwari! he exclaimed, a sincere smile forming on his face. You really deserve it.
Raiden, although seeming happy for her, straightened up slightly, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
— That's great. But, you know, are you sure this is really what you want? he asked, his voice softer than usual.
Hiwari nodded enthusiastically, though there was still a hint of hesitation in her gestures.
— Yes, I think it's what I want. It's just... everything's moving so fast, but I'm happy, really.
Raiden watched her for a moment, his gaze still thoughtful, but he didn't press her further.
— Of course, if you're happy, that's all that matters. But you know, changes like this... can be a little unsettling.
Hiwari smiled, shaking her head.
— It's a new step. But don't worry, everything will be fine.
Shin, still calm, stood up and walked over to her, placing a friendly hand on her shoulder.
— You're right. We've got your back, Hiwari.
A light silence fell over them, and the atmosphere seemed to ease even more. Raiden, still a little pensive, watched Hiwari with a look that said more than words could express, but he refrained from asking more questions.
Hiwari finally stood up, giving Shin and Raiden one last look.
— I'll go now... I need to talk to the adoption lady.
She gave them a final smile before leaving the room. The boys watched her walk away, a sense of calm settling in the air.
Raiden turned to Shin, his arms crossed.
— Do you think it's really going to be okay? he asked, this time with a lightness in his voice, as though trying to ease some of the tension.
Shin shrugged, his gaze distant, lost in his thoughts.
— She deserves it, after all, he said calmly. It doesn't matter what happens.
Raiden nodded silently, but a little voice in his head whispered that things weren't as simple as they seemed.