School

Two weeks had passed since that dark night in the alley—a night that had changed everything for John, Andrea, and Jennifer Lewis. The three of them now lived together in John's modest but orderly apartment, a place that had slowly started to feel like home.

That morning, the small kitchen was filled with the warm glow of early sunlight as the trio sat around the table sharing breakfast. The sound of silverware against plates and the faint hum of a morning news broadcast filled the room.

Jennifer smiled softly, her eyes scanning the two children across from her. "You know, it's been quite a couple of weeks since that night. I'm proud of how far you both have come."

Andrea, sitting upright with a cheerful sparkle in her eyes, nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I feel like… like things are finally starting to get better. I actually slept through the night last week without nightmares."

John took a slow bite of his toast and glanced at Andrea. Her energy was infectious, and though he rarely showed it, he appreciated how much brighter she'd become. He felt the same inside—a weight had been lifted, though there was still much to figure out.

Jennifer leaned forward, setting down her coffee cup. "Well, I've officially become your legal guardian now. That means I'm responsible for both of you—not just as an officer, but as your guardian."

Andrea's face softened. "Thank you, Jennifer. That means a lot. I feel safer knowing you're looking out for us."

John nodded quietly. "I asked Jennifer to help me open a stock exchange account," he added, his voice steady. "The limit is twenty thousand dollars, but it's a start."

Jennifer smiled and nodded. "I agreed. It's a good step—one that will help you build something real for your future."

Andrea's eyes widened in excitement. "Wow, twenty thousand dollars? That's a lot! What are you going to do with it, John?"

John shrugged lightly. "I'm not sure yet. But it's better than nothing."

Jennifer chuckled. "One step at a time. You're being very responsible, John."

Andrea tilted her head, curiosity brimming. "So, Jennifer… do you think you'll adopt us someday?"

Jennifer sighed and smiled warmly, though a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes. "I've thought about it, Andrea. But I know you both want to keep your original family names, and that's important to you."

Both children nodded emphatically. Andrea said, "Yeah, our names are part of who we are. We want to keep that connection to our past."

John added quietly, "We're already a family—even if it's not official on paper."

Jennifer reached out and squeezed their hands gently. "Then I'll consider you both my children in every way that matters. I'm honored to raise you."

John felt an unfamiliar warmth in his chest—a feeling of belonging he hadn't allowed himself to fully embrace before.

A few mornings later, Jennifer gathered John and Andrea after breakfast.

"I've enrolled you both in Palisades Middle School starting next week," she said with a soft smile.

Andrea's face lit up with pure excitement. "Middle school! I thought I wouldn't be able to continue studying after the orphanage closed down. This is amazing!"

John, however, simply sat there, quiet and contemplative. After a moment, he spoke in a low voice, "Okay. I'll do it."

Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're okay with that, John?"

He nodded, though inside, his thoughts churned.

Great Sage, John whispered silently, school feels like a waste of time for someone like me. But I can't argue—I'm still a minor.

The calm, wise voice of Great Sage echoed in his mind, addressing him with respect.

Great Sage: Focus on the present, Master. School is part of your growth—even if it seems slow and boring.

John sighed inwardly. He knew Great Sage was right; patience was something he had to learn.

After breakfast, their daily routine resumed. Andrea settled in front of the TV, excitedly watching cartoons. Jennifer prepared for her shift at the station, donning her uniform with quiet pride. John retreated to his room, closing the door behind him.

He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the calendar on the wall—a classic poster of a model from 2001. The world seemed so far away, and yet, John's mind was already racing ahead, planning a future only he could see.

He reached out, closing his eyes, and spoke softly. "Great Sage, use the $20,000 in the stock account as startup capital for the future."

The voice responded smoothly, reverent and respectful.

Great Sage: Understood, Master. The funds will be invested wisely, laying the foundation for what's to come.

John smiled faintly. His plans were bigger than the small world he currently inhabited. But there was something he hadn't thought about for a while—something enormous and hidden beneath the surface.

In the back of his mind, Great Sage reminded him gently.

Great Sage: Master, remember the billions I reclaimed from those who abused their power? It's still out there, waiting.

John's eyes narrowed slightly. He had forgotten, if only for a moment, about the $2.97 billion his Great Sage had quietly taken from corrupt hands. It was a secret power far beyond anything ordinary, but for now, he let it rest in the shadows.

He lay back on his bed and closed his eyes, allowing the quiet of the morning to soothe him. He had new responsibilities, new people who depended on him—and a future full of possibilities.

For the first time in a long while, John let himself believe that he wasn't alone. With Andrea and Jennifer by his side, and Great Sage guiding him, maybe—just maybe—things would be alright.