From The Ashes We Rise

Chp 26: Not the Last Goodbye

~Time skip: 4 months~

Autumn, my all-time favourite season. I didn't manage to enjoy the Halloween season last year as I ran away from home during that period.

I remember I used to go trick-or-treating with Sammi when we were younger. We usually dressed up in matching costumes or went out as characters often seen in a pair. Those were the days...

It was quite normal Wednesday afternoon; Kyran and I had just returned from school and doing our homework as usual. We hung around our room for a bit before Ms Drews came in to announce that people were coming to adopt.

It had been a while since someone had come for adoption. We changed into proper clothing, as I was wearing shorts while Kyran wasn't wearing a shirt.

After that, all of us assembled at the living room area in 2 straight rows facing each other. We had done this arrangement before but this was my second time doing it. So far, over the past few months I've lived here, only 2 or 3 orphans had been adopted. I had no idea who's getting adopted this time.

Ms Drews left the building and entered again a few minutes later, accompanying a sweet couple. They walked down the rows and observed everyone. When they came to Kyran, I could see that they were talking to him for quite a while. Kyran wasn't standing next to me as we were standing according to height and he was way taller than me.

I saw the couple then approach Ms Drews to inform her of their choice. I heard her call Kyran over. He followed the couple and Ms Drews into a room and was there for a few minutes.

Kyran's POV

I couldn't believe it. I'm actually being adopted. I've been waiting for this moment for 2 years. I've always thought nobody would ever want me. Cassidy was right; someone would definitely adopt me sooner or later.

When the couple passed by, they did a double take and approached me. I was practically the height of the guy. They spoke to me in Spanish, which I understood very well.

I decided to tell them of my past and how I ran away looking for a better home. I think the woman started to tear up then whispered something to her husband. That was when they told Ms Drews about their choice: me. Ms Drews then called me over to follow the couple into the office to settle some paperwork.

In a couple of minutes, I was gonna get a new home and a new start in life. From what I knew, the couple didn't have kids. Maybe they felt that adopting someone is better. They're quite young; they could be around...25-30 years old, I don't know. I was 16 and it was weird that they wanted to adopt me. But it's their choice.

After settling the paperwork, Ms Drews sent me upstairs to pack my stuff. I was leaving the orphanage.

The last time people came, they initially chose me but then changed their choice to one of the girls. I could vividly remember that look of disappointment I had on my face.

The thought of leaving Ebony was overwhelming to me. That kid had a history of depression and self-harm. He had a way worse life than me and I wanted to stay with him forever.

As I walked past Ebony, tears started to form. My vision became blurred. I sped up my walking and rushed up the stairs so he wouldn't see me like this.

Ebony's POV

Kyran rushed past me as he left the room. I thought I saw him crying but maybe it was my imagination. He wasn't one to cry so much. After Ms Drews dismissed us to our respective rooms, I went to check on Kyran.