Outside the Room
Everyone stood around, unsure what to do with Joseph, who remained completely emotionless.
Joseph: 😶
At that moment, Amber and Justin arrived, hand in hand.
Everyone: 🥰
Jonathan: 🥰
Emily: yawned 😪
Amber noticed the tired faces of everyone and smiled softly.
Amber: "Don't you guys want to sleep?" 😊
Megan: 😶
Nattalie: "Then let's all sleep together, like we used to."
Everyone: huh 😶
Nattalie: "Boys on one side, girls on the other, and children in the center, just like old times."
Amber: bu 😶
Mrs. Devis: "Alright, everyone, bring your blankets and pillows."
Everyone: "Ok!" 😊
Nattalie: "But I don't have a blanket…" 🙁
Joseph: "You can use Laurann's."
Nattalie: 🙂
Nattalie: "Thanks, brother!" 😁
Joseph allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible smile before walking away. 🙂
---
In the Hall
Everyone had gathered and settled into their places.
Mrs. Devis: "Boys to the left, girls to the right. Children in the center." 😊
Everyone: "Ok!" 😊
As the blankets were arranged, Eric quietly stared at Justin, who was deliberately keeping his distance due to the adoption situation. Jonathan, too, ignored Amber, knowing she was leaving soon.
Arrangement:
Girls: Mrs. Devis, Megan, Nattalie, Amber
Children: Lussy, Emily, Thomas, Justin, Eric
Boys: Mr. Devis, Steve, Jonathan
---
Middle of the Night
Justin silently wiped away tears, missing Eric deeply despite having tried to ignore him. 😭
Amber, sensing the tension, quietly got up, grabbed some water, and returned to her place, her eyes tired yet observant. 😪
She took a sip and noticed Justin's subtle movements, his longing clear even in his attempts to hide it.
The hall was quiet except for soft breathing and the faint rustle of blankets. A gentle, bittersweet atmosphere lingered as each person reflected on their relationships, the love, tension, and bonds that tied them together.
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