Nora

As the doors of the orphanage swung open, William stepped into a world brimming with exuberant joy and innocence. The children, his brothers and sisters in spirit, had gathered to welcome him with cheers and applause, their laughter resounding through the halls. It was a sight that filled his heart with warmth and renewed his sense of purpose.

Among the throng of children, a young boy with tousled hair and sparkling eyes approached William. His name was Jake, the oldest among them at seventeen. Though he couldn't fully comprehend the magnitude of William's actions, he understood that their lives had taken an extraordinary turn.

"William!" Jake called out, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you! Thank you for everything!"

William's eyes met Jake's, a soft smile gracing his lips. He was humbled by the genuine appreciation in the young boy's voice. "Everything I did was for our brothers and sisters."

Jake reached out his hands, embracing William with a firm grip. "I may not fully understand what you did, but I know that Duke Sawn is now taking care of us because of you. And little Nora, she's alive because of you."

A mix of emotions surged through William's heart. The weight of his sacrifice and the profound impact it had made on the lives of these children became palpable. "Even those of us abandoned by our parents deserve a chance at happiness. And Jake, it was my hope to provide that for all of us."

As their conversation unfolded, more children began to gather around them, their curious eyes fixated on William. There were many younger children who had joined the orphanage during the years when it ceased receiving funds from the government. Despite the hardships, the orphanage never turned away abandoned children from the streets. Many of these children, like William, had started working to earn money. Even Nora, despite her illness, supported numerous children by cleaning and cooking. Nora, a little girl at the time, became the moral support of the orphanage, especially for William.

Yearning to see Nora, William turned to Jake and asked, "Where is Nora?"

Jake replied, "She's resting for now."

William's voice trembled with nervousness as he inquired further, "May I see her?"

A warm smile crossed Jake's face as he reassured William, "Of course! She's been eagerly waiting for you and fell asleep due to her previous treatment."

William felt a tinge of remorse for not arriving sooner, but he knew that dwelling on it wouldn't change the situation. He expressed his gratitude to Jake and requested to be shown to Nora's room. The anticipation swelled within him as he prepared to reunite with the young girl who had been a beacon of hope in his life.

..........................

As William stepped inside Nora's room, his heart pounded with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. There, he saw a fragile yet somewhat healthier 11-year-old girl, her blue hair cascading around her and crystal-like eyes shimmering with a glimmer of life. She possessed an ethereal beauty that captivated him.

Tears streamed down Nora's cheeks when she caught sight of William. The intensity of her emotions overwhelmed her, and she couldn't contain her tears any longer. William's heart ached at the sight, and he hurriedly approached her, embracing her gently.

"Why are you crying, Nora?" he whispered, his voice filled with concern and tenderness.

Between sobs, Nora managed to speak, her voice quivering, "I had a bad dream... I saw... I saw you die, William."

His heart clenched at her words, and he held her closer, his grip reassuring. "Nora, I'm here. I'm alive, and I promise I won't leave you."

She buried her face into his chest, seeking solace and comfort. The weight of her dream lingered in the air, casting a shadow of fear over their reunion. But William, determined to banish her fears, gently stroked her hair and spoke with unwavering resolve.

"Nora, dreams can be frightening, but they aren't always a reflection of reality. I'm here with you, and I'll always protect you. Together, we'll overcome any obstacle that comes our way."

Nora's sobs gradually subsided, and she looked up at William, her crystal-like eyes filled with a mixture of relief and hope. "Promise me, William. Promise me that you'll never leave me."

William's voice was steady as he made his vow, "I promise, Nora. I'll be by your side, through thick and thin. We're family, and I'll always protect you."

He Knows that what he is doing might hurt her latter but William knowed that this is what he right fully should do.