"To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love."
"The world was painted white from the morning snows, the reflecting sunlight casting halos of light into the air-- and Asagao believed in taking chances."
It was cold on the day that changed everything.
The floors the young woman's laced up boots scuffed along were dusted in a light snow that the wind had carried in beneath the steel awnings, crunching with each step. The heavier set matron lead her further along the side of the decrepit building, her presence causing small children to shy from her direction and tuck themselves away into the doorways lining the outer walls.
The orphanage had once seen better days. The exterior wood was twisting and cracking, the surface discolored and ugly. If one were to look up they would see snapped rafters and falling insulation. The opinion that there was a lack of maintenance would have been a correct one. This place felt more like a run down juvenile institution than a place for young children to feel protected.
The sight was depressing; all of it, from the children to the housing to the obviously overworked and uncaring orphan keeper.
The guest looked over their shoulder and saw multiple eyes from children who looked on in hope, defeat and spite. It was sad, and she wished she could help them all; However, she was here for one child and that one was all she could really afford.
Walking further down the walking path, the matron spoke on how this parentless child was a troublemaker, that he was impulsive, selfish and destructive. He listened to no one and, underneath the matron's lips, she whispered good riddance.
Yes, any child in this pit would be -- Asagao kept that thought to herself though.
They finally entered the rear yard where dozens of children played tag or kicked around a single ball, zooming through the snow. They were laughing, playing without care for their circumstances, or perhaps in spite of them. All the same, plenty stopped when they noticed the adults now trailing through the foot of snow.
As they walked further towards the back fence, two boys were seen sitting on a large rock. They had multiple snowballs already made and sitting in a pile as they laughed and taunted one another.
The taller child was dressed in a light colored winter jacket, nearly the same shade as his platinum blond hair. The colors contrasted his beautifully dark Filipino skin, much like her own. That nearly white hair fell into his amethyst eyes, a shade darker than her orchid color. The shape was the same as hers, framed by long, white lashes.
The boy next to him was smaller and his hair was just as wild as the others, though his skin was more fair. His face was marred by a massive, pink scar that ran from the top of his head to his left ear, crossing over his left eye. His eyes, one was a beautiful red color while the other was a milky white.
YOU ARE READING
Espousal
RomanceBeing a new mother and a big sister to two orphaned children isn't an easy task, but Asa is as patient as ever. She was always the 'mom' of the group with her advice and kindness. Raising children, she finds out, is something she truly enjoys. Howev...
