The orphanage gates opened lightly, and the chill morning air filled the rooms. Mridha stood on the threshold with Sagarika beside her, hugging her close to her heart. Her heart was torn into tears, and her worn-out suitcase clutched tightly in her hand. The hug slowly broke, but the hands remained intertwined, as if letting go would mean losing each other forever.

“I don’t want to leave you,” Mridha whispered, her throat clogged with unshed tears.