Fujimi took a deep breath before explaining Yira’s situation to his parents. “Mom, dad, I wanted to talk to you about my friend Yira here,” he began gently. “We met earlier today in town. She tried to pickpocket me at first, but after I helped her out of a bad situation, we got to talking and really hit it off.”

Fujimi’s mother Sunita leaned forward, her eyes filled with compassion. “It sounds like she’s been through some difficult times. What’s her story, dear?”

Scratching his neck awkwardly, Fujimi glanced at Yira. She gave him an approving nod, so he continued. “Well, it turns out her parents disappeared a while back, leaving Yira in charge of her two younger siblings. They’ve been living on the streets, struggling to survive day to day.”

Sunita gasped, one hand flying to her mouth. “Those poor dears! On their own at such a young age? It’s unthinkable.” She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.

“I know,” Fujimi said heavily. “Yira’s been doing her best, but it hasn’t been easy. That’s why she picked my pocket earlier - she was desperate to find a way to better provide for her siblings.”

Jin, Fujimi’s father, shook his head sadly. “What an awful situation. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be, trying to care for your siblings when you’re still just a child yourself.” He turned to Yira, his expression earnest. “We want you to know, you’re not alone in this. However we can help ease your burden, please let us.”

Yira seemed taken aback by their immediate compassion. Eyes downcast, she explained how she struggled each day to find food and shelter for the three of them. They constantly had to move locations to avoid trouble. She longed to give the younger two a chance at schooling, but it just wasn’t possible. A few tears escaped down Yira’s cheeks as she described the enormity of the responsibility on her young shoulders.

Unable to hold back any longer, Sunita rushed over and enveloped Yira in a gentle hug. “You poor thing, carrying such a heavy weight all by yourself,” she murmured. “We simply cannot allow this to continue.”

Jin joined them and rested a hand on Yira’s shoulder. “Sunita’s right. Your siblings deserve a safe, stable home so you can pursue your education.” His voice took on a paternal firmness. “Bring them here straight away. We have plenty of room, and would be honored to care for you all.”

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Overwhelmed by their immediate selflessness, Yira choked out her thanks. After hurriedly giving directions to the hidden alcove by the bridge where she kept her siblings while out scavenging, they all set off at once.

Soon they arrived at the crumbling overpass Yira called home. She gave a special knock - two quick raps, a pause, then three more - and a small opening appeared in the concrete. Two young faces peeked out cautiously until they saw Yira.

“It’s okay Loei, Amara, come on out,” Yira said gently. “These kind folks are going to help us.”

The two siblings emerged slowly, their ragged clothing hanging loosely on skinny frames. The girl, Loei, clung timidly to her older brother Amara, who regarded the strangers warily. Fujimi guessed they were about 8 and 10 years old.

Kneeling down to their eye level, Sunita extended a hand. “Hello little ones. My name is Sunita, and this is my family. Your sister told us how brave and strong you’ve been.”

Amara stood tall, puffing out his chest. “We can take care of ourselves and Yira just fine,” he declared with a sniff. But Loei betrayed him by grasping Sunita’s hand eagerly.

“It’s very nice to meet you Miss Sunita,” Loei said politely. “Do you really have food at your house? And beds for everyone?” Her eyes held a spark of childlike hope.

“We certainly do!” Sunita exclaimed. She began chatting with the children merrily as they walked back, coaxing out their interests and favorite foods. Amara gradually dropped his guard, chiming in excitedly when Sunita mentioned she loved playing soccer.

Back at the house, the two siblings gasped in awe at their spacious new bedrooms while Yira murmured her thanks through fresh tears. Sunita just smiled and embraced her once more. “You’re home now dear. Just focus on being kids again.”

Later at dinner, the mood was joyful, the table loud with happy chatter. Fujimi beamed watching Yira and her siblings devour seconds. For the first time in ages, their faces shone with hope unburdened by constant worry.

Much later, Fujimi lay awake marveling at the day’s events. In one serendipitous moment, three lives had been changed for the better, thanks to a string of selfless choices. He shook his head in wonder. If this strange new world held more goodness like that, perhaps it wasn’t so mystifying after all. Feeling more confident about the future, Fujimi soon drifted off to sleep, the familiar sounds of his family’s preparing for bed just down the hall. Letting his mind wander, Fujimi eventually drifted off to sleep. But elsewhere, in the shadows, forces were stirring that threatened the comforting newfound hope growing within him…