Chương 82: Goodbye

For two days, Ethan had tried to find someone willing to take Agnes in. The first door opened only a crack. A woman, holding a newborn in her arms while four other children clung to her skirt, listened to his request in silence.

"I'm sorry…" she said, her eyes filled with regret.

"I can barely feed my own children". She slowly closed the door. At the next house, an elderly man welcomed them.

"And you'd entrust a little girl to two old people who can barely walk?" he asked with a bitter smile.

"She wouldn't survive a week with us". That door closed as well. The third family didn't even let Ethan speak. The man looked at them through the window, saw two strangers, and immediately drew the curtain shut. A moment later, they heard the deadbolt slide into place. At the fourth house, a woman listened until the very end.

"She seems like a well-behaved little girl…" she said, looking at Agnes.

"…but my husband doesn't want strangers in our home". She lowered her gaze.

"Please forgive me". The last door was the quickest.

"Another mouth to feed? Not a chance". The door slammed shut. They had knocked on dozens of doors: families that were already too large, elderly couples unable to care for a child, people who barely had enough food for themselves. Every answer had been the same. A refusal.

"How many families have we asked? About thirty?" Agnes asked. If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it. Ethan was sitting on the steps of a church, staring blankly into space.

"We'll find someone to take care of you. Don't worry".

"Oh yeah? What's the next move, genius? Have the church adopt me?" she said sarcastically. Ethan's eyes widened. Then he sprang to his feet.

"Come on".

"What? I was just kidding".

"I said come on". Surprised by the sudden seriousness in his voice, Agnes followed him. They entered the church. The building was spacious and well kept, illuminated by tall stained-glass windows that bathed the interior in warm light. Long rows of pews stretched toward the altar, which was simply decorated but meticulously maintained. Several children sat neatly in the front rows, reciting prayers with peaceful smiles.

Nearby, a few nuns handed out bread while helping the younger children arrange their prayer books. The atmosphere was calm, almost comforting. For the first time in days, Ethan felt the weight on his shoulders grow lighter. He explained the situation to an elderly priest whose smile was kind.

"We've taken in many orphans here", the old man said.

"They've grown into wonderful priests and nuns. We won't have any trouble adopting this adorable little girl". Agnes shot him an odd look.

"Will she have everything she needs? Food and a place to stay?" Ethan asked.

"Of course, my son". Ethan nodded, relieved.

"Good. Then I'll leave her in your care". He shook the priest's hand before turning to Agnes.

"Goodbye". His voice was cold. Final. Then he walked out of the church without looking back. The priest looked at Agnes, his gaze lingering on her red hair.

"It would be better to shave that off, don't you think?"

"What?" Agnes asked, confused. Outside, Ethan had already begun walking away when a sharp sound reached his ears. Crack. He stopped. For a moment, he thought it was firewood splitting or someone working in a nearby yard. Then came another strike. Crack. Immediately afterward, a muffled cry. His body went rigid. He followed the sound to a small basement window. He looked inside. A young girl was kneeling on the floor, her back covered in dark purple bruises. A nun was whipping her.

"Please…stop…" the girl begged. The whip came down again.

"Are you going to try running away again, young lady?"

"No…I swear…" Ethan clenched his fists. His knuckles turned white. For several seconds, he stood perfectly still. If he went back, Agnes would continue depending on him. They would go back to wandering aimlessly, perhaps never finding anyone willing to take her in. But if he left her there… His gaze fell on the trembling girl, flinching with every lash. The decision took only an instant.

"Shit…" he muttered. He turned on his heel and rushed back into the church. A short while later, Agnes was once again walking beside him.

"That stupid priest would've shaved my head if you hadn't come back in time. Do you realize that?" Ethan kept walking without answering.

"Did you hear me? You were about to dump me in a horrible place".

"Hey…are you deaf-".

"Shut up. Please. Just shut up". He stopped for a moment, his voice trembling with anger.

"I can't stand hearing your damn voice anymore. Just be quiet". Agnes looked hurt. She lowered her head and quickened her pace, walking ahead of him. Ethan let out a weary sigh before following after her, lengthening his stride so he wouldn't lose sight of her.