Chapter 25: Sanctuary's First Step_2

Following her gaze, Amir's stomach knotted as he noticed a huddled group of children. They were all huddled together, with some quietly crying and others just staring into the distance with hollow eyes. The eldest of them was no older than fifteen, and their young faces were marked with loss and sorrow. Some of the younger ones clutched one another with their small shoulders shaking.

Amir's voice cracked as he spoke. "Their parents... they were killed in the attack. Most of them don't have any relatives left in the village. They're... orphans now." His gaze dropped to the ground, his guilt visible in the lines of his face. "We'll try to look after them all of us in the village but...."