The main hall of the orphanage was filled with nervous laughter and restless shuffling. Children lined up in rows, faces shining with hope. Some clasped hands; others were uttering prayers faintly.
The esteemed Mr. and Mrs. Williams glided among them. Mr. Williams, tall, salt-and-pepper in his temple, carried the air of a man who was accustomed to being obeyed. Mrs. Williams, her neck adorned with a twin strand of creamy pearls, stood with presence, albeit gentle.
Behind them trailed a slightly unobserved Sophia, still transfixed by that silent communication with Ethan. Her heart was fluttering for reasons unknown, and her fingers were trembling against the fabric of her dress. She had met many people over the span of seventeen years, but none had drawn her in the way that the boy by the window had.
The director clapped his hands. "Children, this is Mr. and Mrs. Williams. They are here today with their daughter to meet you all."
The little ones gave out a polite greeting in chorus.
Mr. Williams smiled. "We are here because we believe every child deserves a chance at a better life. Today, we wish to welcome one of you into our family."
With excitement, murmurs spread across the room. Wide eyes and rapid breaths for many was their dream moment they had prayed for.
At the back of the room, Ethan folded his arms, glancing his surroundings with a cool and distant gaze. Christiana stayed beside him, her little fingers grasping his wrist for comfort.
Nevertheless, Sophia's eyes did not wander about the room. They were fixed on him. On Ethan.
Her voice passed before she could stop herself. "Father," she said softly, "what about... him?" She pointed.
As if in unison, the people of the room turned their attention towards Ethan.
The director blinked, startled. "Ethan? He is... he has been here for years. A quiet boy, but... strong. Responsible."
Mr. Williams studied Ethan, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Come forward, young man."
Ethan hesitated, but he went out, Christiana following after him nervously.
Mrs. Williams noticed, "And who is this?" her voice kind as her gaze fell upon Christiana.
"My friend," said Ethan simply, his voice calm yet firm.
Sophia tilted her head, an unexpected pang of jealousy shooting through her at the sight of Christiana clinging to him.
Mr. Williams then spoke. "If we were to take you into our home, Ethan, would you accept?"
The room fell silent. All the other children stared, waiting for his answer.
Ethan's jaw tightened. He looked at Christiana, then back at the Williams family.
"I will not go," he said slowly, "unless she comes with me." He tightened his grip on Christiana's hand and looked at the director. "If you don't take her, then I shall remain here."
The room was filled with gasps. The director stood with her mouth agape in disbelief. Whispers filled the room among younger ones , Who would refuse such an offer?
Sophia's heart pounded faster, her eyes widened with disbelief at those words. He was willing to put everything on the line for this girl? For Christiana?
Mr. Williams and his wife exchanged glances, the look silently passing between them. The wife smiled faintly in agreement.
"Very well," she said. "If your loyalty is so strong… then we shall take you both."
The hall was swept away in excitement and murmurs, while Sophia barely caught a whisper. Something within her heart gripped in an inexplicable way.
She wanted Ethan's gaze upon her. Yet even through that moment, those eyes were all on Christiana.