Young Couple

Dream Orphanage

"Thank you so much for your generous donation. I'm sure that God will bless you for your beautiful heart. If it's not so rude of me, can I ask who you are?" The Director of Dream Orphanage asked the lady who was sitting in front of her.

This lady had just made a huge donation to the orphanage, but she still don't say anything about herself.

Hazel Lim smiled and responded, "I cannot say who I am, but I will tell you my name. I'm Hazel." Looking at the man sitting beside him, she added, "And this is Marcus."

"Oh! You're such a beautiful couple! I'm so glad to know that there are still young couple like you, who are interested in the well-being of these poor children." The orphanage Director said with a bright smile. She seemed to be in her late 40s but she's still beautiful.

Hazel and Marcus glanced at each other and smiled. It's not the first time that they were mistaken as a couple. It happened so often that they stopped correcting the misunderstanding and just played along with it.

"Thank you. If it's possible, we would like to take a look at the orphanage and the kids." Marcus requested.

This orphanage was the place where Hazel grew up and he really wanted to have a good look at the place where his sister spent her childhood.

"Sure. Take your time." The Director answered excitedly. She stood up and leads them to the playground where the children were playing.

--- --- ---

Aiden reached the orphanage just before 4 p.m. He glanced at his watch and said to himself, "Good. I reached on time."

He was afraid that his mother would be upset if he didn't make it on time. She really hated to break promise. Keeping in mind his mother who will be eagerly waiting for him, he hurried to the Director's office.

He looked around the office but his mother was nowhere to be found. When he tried to look for her at the playground, he heard a voice from behind.

"Aiden, you're here. You're early today." Mrs. Olivia Kang said as she approached his son.

Aiden turned around and saw his mother. He sighed. "Where did you go? I've searched for you everywhere."

His mother was the Director of this Dream Orphanage. Four years ago when the orphanage was almost shut down due to financial problems, Aiden's took over the orphanage and became the main sponsor. It was an important place for him as it was the place where his mother grew up.

"A young couple came to make a donation, so I lead them to the playground." She braced her arm to her son's arm and smiled. "I've missed you so much, son. Did you waited for me long?"

Aiden smiled and responded, "No, mom. I've missed you too. Let's go to your office. I will see the kids after that."

The mother and son happily walked to the office bracing their arms. Aiden always felt so relieved whenever he was with her mother. She was the most important person in his life. Though they were busy with their own life and didn't see each other often; they always spend their time to the fullest whenever they are together.

--- --- ---

"This is such a beautiful place!" Marcus exclaimed as they wandered around the orphanage.

The area of the orphanage was not big, but it was so beautiful! Surrounded by many beautiful trees, there was also a small park in the corner of the ground. The children were playing football. Though they are orphans, they looked so happy and carefree.

"Yes, it is. But...the fact that it is the place where abandoned children live is still the same." Hazel said in a low voice. "Children abandoned by their biological parents," she whispered.

"But you still had a great time here. You told me yourself." Marcus answered right away.

While they were in London, Hazel used to tell him that this orphanage was the only place she missed in this whole country.

"You're right, Mark. I was happy, but at the same time, I spend my time here resenting my parents who left me. But who cares about that now? I have you and dad. That's enough for me." A little smile escaped from Hazel's lips.

They sat at the small wooden bench which was placed under a big tree in the other corner of the playground.

"Then tell me more about how you spend your time here." Marcus said with an excitement on his face.

Just before Hazel answered him, some kids came to them.

"Uncle, please play with us." The boys asked Marcus, one of them hold a football in his hand.

Marcus looked surprised. "I never play football before. I'm afraid I can't play with you."

"Come on, Mark. They really want you to play with them. Give a try. Look at them! They are so cute!" Hazel said as she pinched one of the boys in his cheek.

Marcus sighed and stood up. "Fine, if you said so." He held the kids and went to the playground with them.

Hazel cheered for her brother as he played football with the kids. As expected, Marcus was no good in sports. He can barely catch up with the kids! Hazel really loved to see her perfect brother who was good at almost everything, struggling with the kids! She can't stop herself from laughing.

As Hazel was laughing happily at her brother's poor game; unbeknownst to her, a young man was staring at her from afar, watching her every single move.....