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26

"Is something troubling you? Would you like to step inside for a closer look?" Raegan inquired.

Leslie shook her head. "That won't be necessary."

As she turned to depart, a voice from behind called out, "Kiana?"

Leslie whirled around to see Rita, the caretaker from her youth.

"Could it really be you?"

Rita rushed over, examining Leslie with astonishment.

The mature face before Leslie merged with the memory of the kind, nurturing woman from her past.

Overwhelmed by emotion, she embraced the middle-aged woman.

"Yes, it's me, Aunt Rita," Leslie confirmed. "I'm Kiana."

After they both regained composure, Rita guided Leslie and Raegan through the orphanage.

While Leslie conversed with Rita, Raegan trailed behind, his heart heavy with realization.

'So, she grew up as an orphan... She must have endured so much.'

Eventually, Rita had to attend to her duties, leaving Kiana to explore independently.

Leslie had vivid recollections of the rear hill, so she led Raegan there.