Hearing this, Zion and Julia exchanged worried glances. Why was Nina speaking like this after just one trip? Could it be?Their throats felt tight as if something was lodged there, and their eyes were clouded with worry. They sensed a problem but did not know how to address it. Eventually, Nina spoke first, "Mom, Dad, I know I'm not your biological daughter, but you've treated me better than any real parents could."With that, Nina fell to her knees, overwhelmed with emotion. Zion and Julia immediately tried to help her up. Tears streamed down her face as she looked up at them, her eyes red and swollen."You have given me more than I could ever repay," Nina said, her voice breaking. "But rest assured, I only acknowledge myself as your daughter. I will always remember your kindness, and you will always be my parents. Here are all my savings."In the past, Nina would regularly send money to their account, which they saved without spending, always giving back to her whenever the
If Nina did not want to get married, then she wouldn’t. Regardless, Julia just wanted Nina to live a good life. If she ended up alone without children, then she could adopt a child. If she did not want children, that was fine too.Nina was deeply moved. They were not her biological parents, but they were the best parents in the world, having given her a home. During her lowest moments, they had held her hand, guiding her out of the darkness and into the light.With tears in her eyes but a smile on her face, Nina said, "Mom, Dad, I’ve made my decision. Nash died doing his job. He left things unfinished, and I want to continue his work in my own way. If I die over there, I’ll die serving my country and helping the poor. It would be a meaningful death."Nina had made up her mind. The night she returned, she submitted her application online. Because of her previous work experience, she had already received a response. She had three days to get everything in order before leaving for Salt
"I don't want it. Once I go over there, when will I have time to spend money?" Nina refused.Zion, however, spoke firmly, "Nina, didn't you just say we will always be your parents? That makes us family, and it's only right for parents to give their children money."Nina, when you're over there, there will be times when you need money. Think about the poor, injured children and elderly people you might see. Won't you want to buy things for them?"His voice was hoarse but calm, full of understanding rather than the earlier sorrow.Nina had not considered this. She opened her mouth but could not find any words.Julia chimed in, "Take it, it's a small token from your father and me. This way, when you help others, good things will come back to you, and we both want you to come back safely.""Alright." In the end, Nina accepted the bank cards. She had initially thought about keeping her plans secret from her parents, but realized that if they could not find her, they would worry endl
Scarlett had always been by Nina's side, ready to protect her. But Nina wanted to handle things on her own. She knew Scarlett meant well, but she could not let Scarlett stay by her side forever."Scarlett, you have your own life to live. Trust me, when I made this decision, I promised myself I would take care of myself."Scarlett understood Nina's stubbornness. Once Nina made up her mind, she rarely changed it. While she could not openly argue with Nina, Scarlett resolved to support her from the shadows. If something happened to Nina, she felt that the late Nash and Wilfred would never forgive her. And she would not forgive herself either.After settling everything, Nina embarked on her journey to Salterra.……Five years later.Nina had become a seasoned war journalist. On this particular day, she was in the northern region of Salterra, reporting on the latest developments. Suddenly, the sky was lit up with the glow of war, the horizon ablaze.Her broadcast was interrupted by
The child, like a little kitten, lay obediently on her chest, his small hands pressed firmly against her. Nina initially wanted to move his hand away, but then she heard him speak softly, "Your heartbeat makes me feel so safe..."He even hugged Nina tighter.In her five years as a war journalist, Nina had encountered many children, but there was something inexplicable about this one. His soft voice tugged at her heart.She carried the child outside and managed to quickly get into a Birkhamese military vehicle amidst the swirling dust and sand."Can you please take us to the embassy?" she asked."Sure," the driver replied.The soldier driving the car noticed the press badge hanging around Nina's neck and the child in her arms. The drive to the embassy took over forty minutes.Once they arrived, Nina carried the child inside and found the designated officer, intending to hand the child over. But the child clung tightly to her hand."You don't need to be afraid. This is one of our
The little boy still had shaggy hair. If the war had not torn his world apart and separated him from his parents, he would be a happy child now. Nina gently patted his head and spoke softly, "Can you tell me your name? You didn’t want to stay at the embassy because of your parents?""I’ve never seen my parents." The boy lowered his head, his voice raspy and filled with sadness.Nina, who had spent five years in Salterra, observing the transition from minor conflicts to major upheavals, understood. If the boy had never seen his parents, it meant they had never been around from the beginning. What a pitiful child!"So, do you not have a name?" Nina pursed her lips, poured him a cup of water, and continued to crouch in front of him, trying to communicate.The boy neither took the water nor spoke further. He looked like a child who felt deeply wronged and did not know what to do.Nina’s heart tightened. Another child with deep psychological scars. But living in a war zone, how could
Orion nodded. He took the sweet potatoes and ate slowly, without gobbling them down. Nina poured him another glass of water."If it's not enough, I'll get you more," she said.Orion shook his head. Nina noticed that he preferred not to speak unless absolutely necessary. She did not want to stare at him while he ate, so she busied herself with tidying up the tent. Suddenly, a trumpet sounded. It was the call to assemble. Something was happening in the military.What she did not expect was to see Orion put down his sweet potato, stand up straight, and salute. It was a perfect military posture and a crisp salute. Nina was completely taken aback. He was only five years old. How could he perform these actions so expertly? Could he be the child of a soldier?Realizing the significance, Nina decided to contact the embassy. If he was the child of a fallen soldier, he should not be left alone in a foreign land."Orion, you're not a soldier, but you know these things. Who taught you
She often helped the poor and injured, bringing them extra food and supplies. The cooks knew about her efforts. Orion's small hand gripped hers tightly, so tightly that Nina could feel his palm sweating. "Look, do you like these two outfits?" Nina asked, using her free hand to hold up the clothes. Because of the constant upheaval, white clothes were impractical. She had bought one set of camouflage clothes and another in sky blue. Since it was too far to carry many things, she planned to leave more supplies for Orion once she got him to the embassy and after they identified him.Orion did not even glance at the clothes. His eyes were red and filled with fear. Nina could not help but pull him into a comforting hug. "Don't be afraid. These are our Birkhamese soldiers. They won't treat you like soldiers from other countries. I promise you that. Now, try on your new clothes."She helped him dress, and although Orion did not speak, he cooperated quietly. Nina lifted him onto the