"We're siblings, OK?"

Harlens gazed at the employment agreement in his hands, joy flooding his eyes. He carefully folded it, slipping it into the inner pocket of his coat. With the same tenderness, he retrieved a card-sized work badge, forged from pure gold, with a pale blue water elemental gem inlaid in its center.

It read: 

[Gutman Enterprises Probationary Employee Badge]

[Strive hard and forge ahead]

[ID: 0058219]

[Name: Harlens Dika B. Jay]

Holding the golden card, his smile faded, replaced with an expression of deep sorrow. He stepped out of the trading hall, descended the steps, and cast a glance at the anxiously waiting-woman on the street. He heaved a deep sigh.

The woman, Joanna, seeing his crestfallen face, hurriedly embraced him, her hands caressing his hair, whispering words of solace, "It's alright. I know your worth. If we must, we'll eat just once a day. I've been meaning to lose weight anyway. See? I've gained some."