The golden afternoon sun bathed the Haven Orphanage in a warm, gentle glow. Laughter rang out from the garden where children played, their joyful voices drifting through the open windows.
Rain sat on a bench at the balcony, peeling apples while her mother, Summer, chatted softly with a small group of children inside, not far from her spot.
The peace here felt almost unreal after everything they had endured. Rain sat under the shade, watching the children play in the garden, their laughter carrying in the breeze like a soft melody.
Her mother had stepped away for a moment, and when she returned, she carried a tray of fresh juice.
"I missed this," Rain murmured, her gaze still on the children. A faint smile played on her lips. "It's calm... simple. Like how life should've been."
"You've been through so much darkness, sweetheart," her mother said warmly as she sat beside her. "It's time you had light again."
