But Abel's question never needed an answer anyway.

Soon, there were barely visitors, and the donations stopped.

People might have taken pity on the children — but Father Sebastian was a good talker. Neither of them had the credibility nor reputation to fill that gap.

Fundraisers barely covered their monthly bills. And when flu season hit, there'd at least be a new tombstone in their backyard.

Cain and Abel tried their best to help here and there. Sometimes running in the rain to put umbrellas over strangers' heads for cents. Other times doing chores around the house.

But as much as they tried to deny it —

They knew.

"Are you sure? We are always glad to have you with us."

"Yes, we're sure. Thank you for your help all this time."

"You're going to regret it. Life outside is very hard—"

"I know! I said we're sure, ok?"

Cain's voice cracked.

"You think we didn't see the people dying in the winter streets? Or see the thugs beating the hell out of them?"

He covered his mouth, looking at their friends' widened gaze.

Abel stood behind him, his eyes slightly widening out of terror — but his mouth clasped shut.

Cain sighed.

"I'm sorry."

His voice was quieter now.

"No matter how hard we try, we aren't like Emma, Liam, or some of you who could make a decent contribution. I don't have a proper degree. Abel couldn't get a decent job as a high school graduate. And all of this is driving me crazy. I know you all genuinely cared — but please understand. All we did was put a few cents on the table and ate a portion of the younger kids' food."

Abel stepped forward, grinning.

"Yea, I think we're also old enough, so you don't need to worry! We'll come back and you'll see — we'll be healthier than ever! Thank you for taking care of us!"

The teenagers looked at each other reluctantly and nodded.

"Then we'll hold you to your promise! Good luck out there — see you!"

"Yes, see you later! Don't forget to say hi for us if Rayna, Jack, Faisal, or the other kids come over!"

"Will do!"

And so, the brothers left the orphanage — closing the last chapter of their childhood.

As they had planned, they immediately secured a long-term rent in the eastern part of the city. It was close to a ghetto, but it was near the metropolis and remained relatively untouched by the local gangs.

Abel had also helped the landlord's child pass his college entrance exam, and he granted them some flexibility in paying their monthly dues — sometimes even lending them furniture.

Cain had some money saved from his construction jobs to fund half of Abel's first year in an esteemed college. Abel won a scholarship for the other half.

"Are you not going to college too?"

"How could I when I dropped out of seventh grade? Graduate college for me — and I'll feel like I've earned my diploma too."

Abel's eyes sparkled.

"Will do!"

But Cain knew their money wouldn't be enough.

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