Cain's eyes fluttered open.

Where is he?

He glanced at his hand and gasped. What are these machines? Did the terrorists go back to capture him? Where's he?

He yanked the needle off his hand and jumped down the bed — but toppled down, a sharp pain stabbing up his leg. Cain winced. His body felt so weak.

"Cain!"

He looked around. Who's Cain?

Abel rushed into the room, helping him up.

"Brother, no! You shouldn't have pulled off the needle!"

He grabbed him.

"Are you ok? Where are we?"

"We're in a safe place! Some good people took us in, and they've been feeding me every day. They also took care of you."

That sounds like bullshit — but his face does look much rounder, with a healthy blush around his cheeks. The horrifying purple bruise is almost gone. He's also wearing a nice, warm shirt. Not those torn rags or hand-me-downs they wore at the camp.

"Who's Cain?"

Abel's eyes sparkled.

"That's you! We got assigned names — can you believe it?? I'm Abel!"

Cain's eyebrows furrowed. Now that sounded even more ridiculous. Why would they give random kids names when they can just give them numbers?

Before he could think further, people rushed into the room.

Cain stood up, clenching his fist.

"Abel, stay behind me."

But Abel pulled his hands instead.

"They're the good people I mentioned! They fed me warm soup and bread!"

"What if they are poisoning you?"

"Well, I wouldn't be this healthy after weeks, would I?"

Cain pursed his lips. Well... that's true.

Abel ran to the nearest lady.

"This is Emma! She lets me pick some shirts and toys when we first got here."

He grabbed the guy next to him.

"This is Liam — he's the one who gave us the names! He used to live in this orphanage but has now gotten a job."

Cain looked at them as Abel continued the introductions. They smiled at him.

He couldn't remember the last time his heart seeped with warmth and safety. He smiled and nodded.

"Thank you for helping us and taking care of my brother. I hope I'll be able to contribute and be a useful member to your community."

The people looked at each other, their cheeks reddening.

"Aww, look at this little angel!"

"Don't even think about it — you are welcomed in our family!"

Emma chuckled and patted his back.

"Our orphanage is actually led by a priest, but he's currently away with the older kids to do some fundraising. You'll meet him later. For now — do you want to grab some food?"

Cain nodded in excitement. He took a step forward — and toppled down again.

Everyone gasped. Right — he twisted his leg!

They rushed to his side. Abel swung his arm around his shoulder, helping him walk.

Cain smiled, listening to all of his yapping. His newest favorite food. His favorite music. His new friends. Everything.

That kid could really yap non-stop.

That day, amongst the warmth of the shabby house and the faint music playing from the radio, Cain found his family.

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