Sunlight streamed through the windows as Fujimi bounded down the stairs, following the aroma of sizzling sausage and eggs. Ever since Yira and her siblings had moved in, breakfast was an lively affair.
“G’morning, sleepyhead!” Yira called out cheerily from her spot at the stove, deftly maneuvering a spatula and ladle as she tended to several skillets.
At the table, Yira’s younger sister Loei looked up from the miniature farm she was assembling out of plastic bricks. “Fujimi, look!” she exclaimed, gesturing proudly at the pigs and cows meandering around little brick barns. “I made all the animals their own houses.”
“Wow, that’s so cool Loei!” Fujimi replied enthusiastically. At 10 years old, Loei still had an innocent sweetness about her despite the hardships she’d endured. He was happy to see her embracing play and creativity again.
Yira’s brother Amara, two years older than Loei at 12, glanced up from his soccer magazine long enough to give Fujimi a grin. “Morning bro,” he said casually before returning to an article ranking the top strikers in the league. Though initially wary, Amara had warmed up to Fujimi after they’d bonded over soccer strategies.
Sliding a heaping plate of breakfast in front of Fujimi, Yira gave him a playful nudge. “Eat up, it’s a big day!” She tried to affect nonchalance, but Fujimi could detect the undercurrent of anxiety in her voice. Today was the entrance exam for Stratos Akademiya magic school.
Ever since Fujimi had gifted Yira his voucher for the elite academy, she had been obsessively preparing. This was her chance to access opportunities and connections previously beyond her reach. But Fujimi knew she also felt the immense pressure to succeed and justify his faith in her.
“You’ve got this Yira,” Fujimi said, meeting her mismatched eyes. “All that matters is that you do your best. We’ll be proud no matter what.”
Yira blinked rapidly, touched by his encouragement. “I just wish I could do something to repay your kindness,” she said. “Taking us all in, helping with Amara and Loei…you’ve changed our lives.”
Fujimi’s parents Jin and Sunita exchanged a warm glance. “Having you here is gift enough,” Sunita said gently. “Just focus on your future. We’re happy to care for your family.”
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Yira hugged Sunita tightly. Since moving in a week ago, the siblings had blossomed with regular affection and care. Fujimi felt honored to shelter them.
Too soon, it was time for Yira to depart. Loei began sniffling as they said their goodbyes. “Don’t cry sis,” Amara said reassuringly. “Yira’s gonna rock that test and be back before you know it.” But his face too was downcast.
At the hyperloop station, Yira pulled her siblings into a big hug. “I’ll call you every night,” she promised. “Fujimi and his folks will take good care of you.” After a quick embrace for Fujimi, she boarded the pod, waving until out of sight.
Fujimi's mind drifted back over the past week since Yira and her siblings had come to live with his family. Their cozy home had been filled with so much more laughter and chaos ever since the three orphaned children had arrived.
At first, Yira's younger sister Loei was painfully shy, hiding behind Yira at every chance. But Fujimi's gentle patience soon won her over. Now, Loei eagerly showed him her drawings and Lego creations, chattering away about each little detail. Just yesterday, they had spent hours crafting an elaborate castle together out of Legos, complete with royal guards and a fire-breathing dragon.
Yira's brother Amara had been more standoffish. He was wary of letting his guard down around unfamiliar adults. But Fujimi's dad Jin won him over by patiently teaching Amara soccer skills in the backyard. Now they spent every evening passing the ball back and forth, planning out elaborate plays and strategies. Last night, Amara had whooped excitedly when he finally scored a goal past Jin's deft maneuvering.
Mealtimes were particularly chaotic with three extra hungry pre-teens at the table. Yira did her best to help Fujimi's mom Sunita with the cooking, but inevitably some mishap would occur. Just two days ago, they accidentally spilled an entire bag of flour right as Sunita was taking a tray of muffins out of the oven. The kitchen looked like a snow globe afterwards! But Sunita just laughed and threw handfuls of flour at them while they all tried to clean it up.
At bedtime, Fujimi's parents still tucked in each child with a story, song, and goodnight kiss, just as they always had for Fujimi. Loei's eyes would droop before the story even finished, while Amara tried his best to look nonchalant even as he snuggled under the covers. Yira always helped get the little ones to bed before sitting up late into the night with Fujimi, talking about their hopes and dreams. He was amazed by her resilience and determination to build a better life.
Over just one short week, it felt like Yira and her siblings had always been part of the family. The house seemed warmer and more full of love and laughter than ever before. Fujimi hoped Yira knew she would always have a home with them, no matter how far her studies took her. She and her siblings were part of the family now.
The next weeks would passed enjoyably but not without a Yira-shaped hole in their lives. Her bubbly energy and fiery spirit had brought light into their home. But she called daily with excited updates about her intensive entrance exam.