Unspoken Connections

Chapter 45: Take Them Away

LULU'S POV

Without hesitation, I made the decision to run away from the hospital, they wouldn't care though, determined to ensure my siblings' safety and to lend whatever support I could. The city streets were familiar to me, and I navigated them with a keen eye, searching for any sign of them.

My body is aching.

But I'm more worried about them, what if they're kidnapped? 

And then, there they were – a small huddle of figures on a makeshift cardboard bed, their bodies shaking with sobs. My breath caught in my throat as I recognized my siblings, their faces etched with despair and fear.

As I approached them, their eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope, and they rushed into my waiting arms. The three of them clung to each other, their tears mingling as they sought peace in one another's embrace.

"LULU!"

I longed to join them, to wrap my arms around all of them and offer the reassurance and protection they so desperately needed. But I knew this was a moment that belonged solely to them, a reunion that spoke volumes of their unbreakable connection.

Their small bodies trembled with relief as they clung to me, their eyes red from crying.

"Where have you been, Lulu?" my siblings asked, their voices shaking. "We were so worried about you."

I hesitated, my heart aching at the thought of worrying them further. They had already been through so much, and I couldn't bear the idea of adding to their burdens.

"I've been out working, trying to find ways to keep us safe and cared for," I said, forcing a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry I've been away, but I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere."

I will never ever tell them that I have a problem in my heart.

And I saw Mrs. Tarah approach us.

I knelt down and gathered my siblings into my arms, their small bodies trembling. "Listen to me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Mrs. Tarah is here, and I want two of you to go with her. Anyone?"

They all stared at me, their eyes wide with confusion and fear. "No, Lulu, we want to stay with you!" clinging to me.

I felt my heart break, but I knew what I had to do. "I know, I know," I soothed, "but you'll have a much better life with Mrs. Tarah. She can give you things I can't - a stable home, food, and a chance to thrive."

My brother shook his head vehemently. "No, we're a family! We have to stay together!"

I pulled them closer, tears stinging my own eyes. "I wish we could, but it's not fair to you to keep living this harsh life. Mrs. Tarah can give you the life you deserve, the life I wish I could give you."

They wept bitterly, begging me not to send them away. But I remained firm, knowing deep down that this was the best thing I could do for them, even if it shattered my own heart.

"Please, trust me," I whispered. "This is the only way. You'll be safe and cared for. I'll never stop loving you, no matter what."

My siblings clung to me, their small bodies wracked with sobs. "Please, Lulu, don't make us go!" Marvin pleaded, his voice trembling. "We want to stay with you!"

Gina wept bitterly, burying her face in my shirt. "It's not fair! We're a family, we have to stick together!"

My heart shattered at their cries, but I knew I had to be strong. "I'm so sorry, but you'll have a much better life with Mrs. Tarah and other families" I said, my voice thick with emotion. "They can give you the things I can't - a real home, stability, and opportunities we can only dream of."

Mrs. Tarah placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Lulu, I know this is difficult, but I really believe Marvin and Mia would thrive in my care. They deserve a chance at a brighter future."

Marvin and Mia only clung to me tighter, begging me not to send them away. I held them close, tears streaming down my face.

"I know, I know," I whispered, my heart breaking. "But this is the best thing I can do for you. You'll be safe and cared for, and you'll have a chance to grow and fulfill your dreams."

My heart sank as I watched Mrs. Tarah try to softly usher Marvin and Mia into her car, their anguished cries piercing the air.

"No, please! We want to stay with Lulu!" Marvin screamed, struggling against Mrs. Tarah's grip.

Mia was beside herself, tears streaming down her face as she reached out to me. "Lulu, help us! Don't let her take us away!"

My other siblings huddled around me, their own sobs joining the desperate pleas of Marvin and Mia. I felt utterly helpless, torn between wanting to shield my family and knowing that I had to do what was best for them, even if it shattered my own heart.

I rushed to the window, pressing my hands against the glass as they stared back at me, their faces wet with tears.

"Please, Mrs. Tarah, take care of them," I begged, my voice wavering with emotion. "I know this is the best thing for them, but it's so hard to let them go."

Mrs. Tarah reached out and placed a gentle hand on my arm. "I promise, Lulu, I will do everything in my power to give them the life they deserve. They will be loved and cared for, I swear it."

Marvin and Mia continued to sob, their small hands reaching out to me. "Lulu, don't let them take us! We want to stay with you!" Mia cried, her voice choked with heartbreak.

I pressed my forehead against the window, tears streaming down my face. "I'm so sorry, you two. I wish I could keep you with me, but you deserve so much more. You'll have a better life with Mrs. Tarah, I know it."

Marvin's cries turned to whimpers, his eyes pleading with me. "But what about you, Lulu? Who's going to take care of you?"

I mustered a watery smile, my heart aching. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I just want you to be happy and safe, that's all that matters."

As the car began to pull away, Marvin and Mia pressed their faces against the window, their sobs echoing in my ears. I stood there, watching helplessly as the vehicle disappeared down the road, taking with it a part of my very soul.