Lost & Found

2: Cared

Chapter 2: Cared
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"Are you girls alright?" The rough voice of the old neighbor asked.

Once the two entered the house they were immediately greeted by the warmth from the nearby fireplace and welcoming decorations.

He called a name and a plump woman had emerged from another room with hints of concern printed on her face once her gaze fell upon the pair.

The two happily welcomed them into their humble home and offered warm blankets and treats for the hungry children.

The neighbors ushered them near the fireplace to keep warm as they prepared warm milk for them.

Shortly afterwards, the man and the woman joined the girls in the living room area.

"We're ok." Liza replied after a moment's hesitation.

"What are you two doing out in the cold? It's freezing out there!"

The twin girls fell silent, their eyes drifted to swirling milk in their mug. They felt a bit unsure about talking to strangers, especially about what happens behind closed doors, but seeing the concerned looks on their face caused them to break.

It was a risk and if their parents found out...

After a few seconds of gathering courage, Lena spoke up. "Our parents put us out." She answered.

"Why would they do that?" The woman asked, worry laced in her voice.

A shrug was their answer.

"Have they done this before?"

".....yes."

"Many times."

The old man's mouth fell agape as he set his cup down. Their answers were not he expected, but he continued his interrogation nonetheless. "What are your names?"

Their names? Is it really wise to give their names to their neighbors who they never met before?

The man noticed their hesitation and quickly reassured them with a wave of his hand. "It's okay. You're safe with us. I promise."

"...Lena."

Liza gave her sister a worried glance, before deciding to follow her actions.

"I'm Liza."

A small grin appeared on his face as he sat up straight and introduced himself. "My name is Preacher, call me Pre for short if ya want," He gestured to the woman. "And this here is my lovely wife, Dayla." The woman offered the two a sweet smile.

"Their smiles are the cutest!" Dayla giggled as she ruffled their messy hair.

"You two look awfully identical. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it ain't a doubt that you two are twins."

They nodded. "Yep!"

"Wow that's amazing! You're one of the few set of twins to ever set foot on this planet!"

Huh?

"We are?" They questioned in unison.

"Yeah, you didn't know? Twins are extremely rare and if they are to have children it is most likely that they will also have a set of twins. Everyone knows that. Did your parents not tell you that?"

"No. Our parents never really teach us anything.

"....Oh." Preacher mumbled in disbelief.

"If twins can have twins...wouldn't there be more?" Liza asked.