Chapter 27: Old wounds III
Ini and Ore's lives were forever changed as they stepped into the Heritage Orphanage. The traumatic loss of their parents still lingered, but as they settled into their new routine, they began to feel a sense of security and stability. The orphanage, run by the kind-hearted Sister Margaret and her team of nuns, provided a nurturing environment that helped the siblings heal.
Sister Margaret walked into the convent's common room, where several of the nuns were gathered, sewing and chatting. She smiled warmly, her eyes scanning the room for Sister Mary, who was in charge of the orphanage's daily activities.
"Sister Mary, how are our new arrivals doing?" Sister Margaret asked, her voice gentle. "Ini and Ore, the siblings who lost their parents in the fire?"
Sister Mary looked up from her sewing, her expression thoughtful. "Ore is doing well, Sister. She's adjusting to our routine, and the other children have taken a liking to her. But Ini..." Sister Mary's voice trailed off, her brow furrowed with concern.
Sister Margaret's eyes filled with sympathy. "Yes, Ini. I've been worried about him. He's so young to have gone through such a traumatic experience."
Sister Mary nodded. "He's still finding it hard to open up, Sister. He doesn't talk much, and when he does, it's just a few words. He seems to be carrying a heavy burden."
Sister Margaret's heart went out to the young boy. "Poor child. He must be traumatized. Losing one's parents is never easy, but to witness their death in such a horrific way... it's a wonder he's coping at all."
Sister Mary nodded in agreement. "We've tried to get him to talk about his feelings, but he just shuts down. We're giving him space, hoping that with time, he'll learn to trust us."
Sister Margaret nodded, her mind racing with ways to help Ini heal. "We'll keep a close eye on him, Sister. And we'll pray for him, that he may find the strength to overcome his pain."
At first, Ini's rage and anger towards Ore simmered just below the surface. He ignored her attempts to talk to him, and Ore, sensing his hurt, tried to give him space. However, as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Ini's anger slowly began to subside. He started to respond to Ore's calls, and although their interactions were still strained, it was a start.
Ore, relieved that Ini was finally opening up, tried to make amends. She looked out for him, making sure he was okay, but Ini didn't seem to need her help. The strict rules of the orphanage kept him in line, and he didn't go looking for trouble. As time passed, Ini's responses to Ore became more frequent, and it seemed as though he was finally accepting their new reality.
But just as things were looking up, a young couple arrived at the orphanage, looking to adopt a child.
The couple, dressed in elegant attire, walked into the Heritage Orphanage, exuding an air of confidence and excitement. They were greeted by Sister Margaret, who welcomed them warmly and led them to her office.
"Thank you for considering our orphanage," Sister Margaret said, smiling. "We have several lovely girls who might interest you. Can you tell me a bit about what you're looking for?"
The woman, with a gentle smile, replied, "We're looking for a young girl, preferably between the ages of 5 and 7. We want someone who is peaceful and not troublesome. We're willing to provide a loving home, but we need someone who will fit in with our lifestyle."
Sister Margaret nodded, taking note of their requirements. "I think we might have just the child for you. Let me just check our files..." She began to read through the files, stopping at Ore's. "Ah, yes! Ore is a lovely 6-year-old girl who has been with us for a few months. She's a sweet child, always eager to please. However, I must mention that she has a younger brother, Ini, who is also living here at the orphanage."
The couple exchanged a glance, and the man spoke up, "We're only interested in adopting a girl, but we're willing to allow her to visit her brother during holidays. Maybe, in the future, we might consider adopting him as well."
Sister Margaret smiled, pleased with their willingness to consider Ore's family ties. "That's very kind of you. Now, let's proceed with the adoption process. Can you tell me a bit about your background, your family, and your lifestyle?"
The couple nodded, and the woman began to answer the standard adoption questions. "We've been married for 10 years, and we have a stable home life. We're both professionals, and we have a comfortable income. We're looking to provide a loving home for a child, and we're willing to provide the necessary care and support."
Sister Margaret smiled, satisfied with their answers. "I think Ore would be a perfect fit for your family. Shall we proceed with the adoption process?"
The couple exchanged a glance, nodded, and smiled. "Yes, we'd love to!"
Ore was called into the office, and when she heard the news, her face lit up with excitement. "Really? I can go live with them? And I can still visit Ini?"
Sister Margaret smiled, hugging Ore tightly. "Yes, dear. You'll have a new family, and you'll still get to see your brother. Isn't that wonderful?"
Ore's face lit up with excitement as she heard the news.
Ore nodded enthusiastically, tears of happiness streaming down her face. Sister Margaret gently pushed her away, a warm smile on her face.
"Go pack your things, dear. And don't forget to say goodbye to your brother. You'll be leaving soon."
Ore rushed off, her heart racing with excitement. She packed her few belongings quickly, her mind whirling with thoughts of her new family and her future. As she finished packing, she took a deep breath and went to find Ini.
Ore searched for Ini, wanting to share the news with him, but when she found him, his reaction was not what she expected. Instead of being happy for her, Ini's eyes narrowed, and he spat out the same words he had muttered months ago: "I'm going to kill you." Ore's eyes widened in shock as Ini turned and ran, ignoring her calls.
The couple, unaware of the tension between the siblings, ushered Ore away, leaving Ini behind. Ini watched from a top-floor window as the car drove away, Ore's face pressed against the glass. His eyes burned with a fierce intensity as he whispered, "I'm going to kill you."
Years later, Ini stood in the opulent sub-penthouse of a high-rise building, his eyes seeming to bore into the past. The memories of his childhood hell still simmered, and he sighed, his chest rising and falling with the motion. "It's about time I kept my promise," he said to himself, his voice low and menacing.
As he turned to leave, his gaze sharpened, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. The elevator doors slid open, and Ini stepped inside.