Bandu and Expunged Adopt a Child

Growing Emotional Bonds

A few days later, in the dead of night, Bambari rushes into Expunged's room, her eyes wide with fear and tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. She finds Expunged sitting on the edge of their bed, looking up in surprise as Bambari enters.

Bambari: [panicked] Mx. Expunged! Mx. Expunged! I had a nightmare!

Expunged's expression softens with concern as they stand up and approach Bambari, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

Expunged: [calmly] Hey, it's okay. You're safe here. What happened in your nightmare?

Bambari sniffles, her voice trembling as she recounts the frightening images that had plagued her sleep.

Bambari: [tearfully] It was... it was so scary, Mx. Expunged. I felt so alone, like I was back on the streets again. I... I called out for you and Mr. Bandu, but there was no one there... it was so cold and scary... it felt so real...

Expunged's heart aches at Bambari's distress, their usual stoic demeanor breaking as they pull her into a comforting embrace as she was crying.

Expunged: [softly] Shh, it's alright. You're not alone anymore, kid. I'm here for you.

Feeling the warmth and reassurance of Expunged's embrace, Bambari begins to calm down, her sobs subsiding into quiet sniffles.

Bambari: [sniffling] Can... can I sleep here tonight? I'm scared to be alone.

Expunged hesitates for a moment, caught off guard by Bambari's vulnerability, a rare sight as Bambari was usually independent. But seeing the fear in her eyes, they quickly nod in agreement.

Expunged: [nodding] Of course, Bambari. You can sleep in my bed tonight.

As Bambari crawls into bed beside Expunged, she feels a sense of safety and comfort wash over her. Looking up at Expunged's face, illuminated by the faint moonlight, she sees not just a friend, but a guardian, a protector.

Bambari: [softly, her eyes sparkling] Thank you, Mx. Expunged... for always being there for me.

Expunged's expression softens, a rare warmth shining in their eyes as they tuck Bambari into bed.

Expunged: [gentle] Anytime, Bambari. Anytime.

As they both drift off to sleep, wrapped in the comforting embrace of each other's presence, the bond between them deepens, solidifying their connection as not just friends, but as family.

The next morning, the sun rises gently, casting a warm glow throughout the house. Bambari awakens feeling much better after her comforting night with Expunged. She realizes Expunged had already woken up and left the room, and with a newfound sense of courage, she heads downstairs to spend time with them and Bandu.

Bambari: [entering the room with a bright smile] Good morning, Mr. Bandu! Good morning, Mx. Expunged!

Bandu: [grinning] Good morning, Bambari! Did you sleep well?

Bambari: [nodding enthusiastically] Yes, thank you! Mx. Expunged let me sleep in their bed because I had a bad dream.

Expunged looks up from their breakfast, surprised by Bambari's candid revelation.

Expunged: [softly] Uh, yeah... I'm glad you're feeling better now.

Bambari beams up at Expunged, a sense of affection evident in her eyes.

Bambari: [happily] Thank you, Parent.

Expunged freezes, their expression caught between surprise and uncertainty.

Expunged: [awkwardly] Parent? Did... did you just call me your Parent?

Bambari: [nodding] Yeah! You took care of me last night, just like a parent would. So, you're my Parent now!

Expunged's heart swells with emotion, their reserved facade cracking as they tentatively return Bambari's smile.

Expunged: [softly] Well, uh... I suppose I can be your Parent, if you want.

Meanwhile, Bandu watches the exchange with a wide grin, his heart melting at Bambari's innocent words.

Bandu: [tearfully] Aw, Bambari, that's so sweet! And what about me?

Bambari: [giggling, already knowing the answer] You're my Uncle, Bandu! You're always so fun and playful, just like an uncle should be!

Bandu's eyes light up with joy, touched by Bambari's endearing words.

Bandu: [beaming] Uncle Bandu it is, then! I promise to always be here for you, Bambari!

As they spend the day together, their bond as a family grows stronger than ever before. And though Expunged may have never seen themself as a parent, they realize that sometimes, family isn't about blood, but about the love and care shared between them.