Chapter 23: Daddy's Leaving

Chloe looks at me, dumbfounded. Her countenance looks similar to a child who was told that Santa Claus doesn’t exist. I can tell she’s having a hard time believing what I just said.

None of us thought in our dreams that I’d ever deny her of a wish. But I suppose that’s what you get when you put faith in your sibling with your eyes closed.

“Wh-what do you mean?” Her eyes turn glossy and red from all the crying and disbelief shines in them like the moon on a Purnima night.

I won’t fall for them anymore.

“Do you know who this kid is? About his family and relatives? His name?”

“His name is Benjamin, and he’s a fatherless child. After learning about his tragedy, I have a stronger will to take him in.”

“Why do you think he needs someone else? Maybe he’s happy with his mother alone.”

“C’mon Den! The world is so cruel to orphans. Have you forgotten how we’re treated? Without a father, Ben’s basically an orphan like us!”

The rage in her voice propels me to take a step back. However,