Achilles and I were still hanging out at the same location five days later. My illness was a little bit better. Yesterday, the pharmacy employee discovered us on the sidewalk. He observed that I had a severe cough and was ill. He went outside and crossed the street to give me some cough medicine when it was almost dusk that day. It was the grape-flavored mix, and I was grateful that he had given me something to prevent me from passing out. Normally, passing out on the streets wouldn't be noticed by anyone. I encountered some people who are keeping me busy.

People here have been so kind to me. Achilles has been preaching to me about how sincerely religious he was; his granddaughter used to accompany him on Sundays to church. He recalled his first baptism as a young child. He had the impression that he was free of all the negative emotions that had been bothering him. It's amusing that he has a vague idea of what his Kalani looks like. I can't judge because I'm so intrigued by it.

What are you thinking about? Achilles asks.

"I'm still looking for my parents; they're out here somewhere."

"I'm entirely confident you'll find them."

I agreed by nodding. "Me too."

I spotted some people walking to the food stand, where they were enjoying free hot soup and coffee. This is my opportunity to obtain some for myself and Achilles.

"The customers were providing soup, and they also have coffee."

"That's fantastic; let's go." Achilles gets his stick and follows me.

The woman turned to look at Achilles as we waited in line to order soup. She seemed to have never encountered a blind man before, so she was anxious about him. Her expression disgusted me with its look of disgust. She had her blonde hair up in a bun and was dressed in a floral dress. I couldn't help but wonder what had caused her to feel so repulsed. Perhaps she had just witnessed something unpleasant or was simply having a bad day.

"Excuse me, miss."

Achilles is trying to encourage me to remain silent. "Don't stress over it."

"I'm sorry, but I have no choice." In order to address the woman, I went back to the line. "I'm not trying to be obnoxious or anything. But don't make remarks that are offensive to my friend."

The woman gives me a perplexed look. "Pardon me?"

"The fact that my friend is blind does not give you the right to criticize him, either."

The woman was startled as she turned to face Achilles. "Oh, I'm sorry."

Achilles approaches me from the side. Miss, don't sweat over it.

"It would never come again."

Achilles and I headed back to our spot to eat our soup. He was happy I stood up for him as the good friend I am.

"I'm sorry if I was too much of a defender."

Achilles smiled for the understatement, but he knew I was protecting him. "Don't worry, child."

I smiled humbly, it warmed my heart. Being treated like I was worth something instead of nothing.

"We need to be careful who we connect to and how we judge them."

"I wish my adoptive parents had shown me how much they cared." I was supposed to be raised to learn from my experiences. Achilles showed me the right way. He even explains to me what motivation is.

"Tell me about your family and why you ran away." Achilles drinks his bottled water.

I couldn't reveal too much information in this stressful situation, even if I were required to. Not to a police officer, but to a reliable friend. My angel did advise me to seek out guidance.

"Back in Michigan, my parents tortured me." I drink some of the soup. I was afraid to tell anyone because it was due to being abandoned and thrown on the streets.

"Jesus."

"Plus, Patrick, my adopted father, threatened to kill me if I told the police or my teachers."

Achilles felt repulsed. "I'm truly sorry."

"I just could not stand it any more."

"Granddaddy!" A woman's voice was heard.

As we made a left turn onto the sidewalk, we noticed a woman standing there dressed in a light blue blouse that matched the sky, some black pants, and a pair of charcoal and white tennis footwear. She was sporting a black beanie while having her hair in a ponytail. On her left hand, she was wearing a wedding ring.

Achilles was overjoyed when he heard that voice because it caused him to get up from his chair and grab the walking stick. "I recognize that voice anywhere,"

Surprisingly, I said, "Kalani."

After smiling, Kalani approached Achilles and gave him a bear hug. "I missed you so much."

Achilles says, "I missed you too, baby."

I'm so overjoyed to see Kalani and Achilles together. It exemplifies that this is what family is, and it makes me a little emotional.

"And what's your name, miss.?" Kalani asks.

"Elora."

Kalani shakes my hand. "That is a lovely name."

According to Kalani, she bought clothing for her grandfather to wear and had a great surprise in store for him. He and I both wondered what it might be. From our location, we removed everything before joining Kalani. She provided Achilles with a nice house with a chimney where he might live. She gave him a description of the appearance. At least it wasn't a condo; if he thought back to the time they were evicted, this would be terrible.

Achilles asserts, "You didn't have to do that; I'm fine being on the street."

She wants her grandfather to live in a home so he is no longer homeless, realizing that this is what Kalani wanted for him. "You earn it." I said to Achilles.

"Certainly not for an old man like me."

"Please realize that you feel horrible for me spending money to purchase you a house, but you needed a place to live." Kalani notifies Achilles.

When it comes to costs, purchasing a home is a big deal. This was costly.

"We shouldn't have to worry about the weather, which is fantastic."

Achilles chuckles as he sees how relieved I was not to be afraid of being in a crowded street and watching people walk by. The generosity of his own grandchild, which he couldn't refuse.

"I'll enjoy it without a doubt if it actually means this much to you." Achilles has a lot to say because he knows Kalani so well and can tell how much she cares for him-enough to purchase him a house.

Kalani welcomes her grandfather inside and leads him to the living room. I entered the home from the outside and watched them. Obviously, the decorator did a fantastic job. She permits Achilles to take a seat so he can experience the luxury of the chair underneath him.

I noticed how the drapes were the color of a sunset as I touched them with my fingers. "These kinds of curtains are extremely lovely."

"Indeed, Elora, it is." Kalani stated.

"There are so many shades to pick from; I never knew what kind of colors I preferred.

Kalani brings three glasses of freshly made lemonade.

Well, personally, red is my favorite color. She gave me an answer.

Red is unique because it symbolizes love. It also connotes passion, vigor, and excitement. Red is a color associated with luck and prosperity across many cultures. In some nations, brides wear red on their wedding day as a lucky charm. She adores her family and Achilles. She will go to any lengths to make him feel as though no one has forgotten him. Since it is true that he has been on his own, it makes sense that Kalani would ask him to travel with her outside of Minneapolis.

"So, you came here to just visit Achilles, I suppose?"

She wondered if she was simply paying a visit to Achilles. It might be because she still lives with her husband and children. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing in her life and wondered if seeing Achilles would bring her some clarity. However, she knew that her responsibilities as a wife and mother were important and couldn't be ignored.

"How come you're asking me that?" I was surprised by her reaction.

I'm just concerned, that's all.

Maybe I am curious about someone who comes back to see a relative. Personally, I believe that even if I do imagine my parents coming back for me, I don't know how I'll feel. It is natural to feel curious about someone's return, especially if it involves seeing a loved one. However, it is also understandable to have mixed emotions about the idea of being reunited with someone after a long time. Hanging around with abusive adults got me thinking some crazy thoughts. I'm still scarred by how Patrick treated me before I left. These memories are very unforgettable.

Kalani broke my trance.

What's bothering you, sweetheart? Kalani questioned me.

"Nothing."

"Granddaddy told me you were on your own; what are you running from?"

I wanted to appear to be in defiance and not be overly concerned. But even so, that can't stop for very long. My past.

I told Kalani everything about me for three hours. Kalani made me feel heard and understood by listening intently and providing words of consolation and inspiration. While watching some vintage Western television, Achilles was seated on the sofa. He enjoys listening to the music and the sound of the shooting scenes. I had never experienced a family gathering like the one we had. Since her grandfather's health is also at a point where he requires assistance, Kalani praised me for my knowledge in helping him. He revealed he was sixty-five years old; his health problems don't concern him. I felt respected by Kalani for helping her with her grandfather. I hoped that he would get proper medical care, but I couldn't help but worry about the risks connected to his health issues. I was touched by the gratitude the two showed me, and I enjoyed Achilles's overview of his chronic illnesses despite his older years.

Later, around nine, Kalani fixed up some supper for the three of us. She cooked up some food for all of us to enjoy. The food is one of the best types of food I've ever had. Some fried chicken, alongside collard greens and creamed corn. As we sat down to eat, the aroma of the food filled the air. The crispy fried chicken was perfectly seasoned and juicy on the inside. The collard greens were perfectly prepared-perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of smokiness. The chicken and greens' savory flavors were enhanced by the creamy, sweet creamed corn. We savored every bite, enjoying each other's company as much as the delicious meal. At least I can eat as much as I want. Instead of trying to use my manners at the table, my eating habits became messier than ever.

Kalani takes her time picking at the chicken and remarks, "You seemed like you'd never had a good meal before."

I put down my fork and hesitated before turning to face Achilles and Kalani. "I'm just starving."

"Didn't your parents ever feed you?"

"Barely." I snacked on the chicken. There will be a limit set on how much food I can get from Hope."

"That's child abuse. " Kalani commented.

Hearing the words startled me. I know this is true, but all from how I've been going through time to time, it's like a habit. Getting bruised up, cut, and beaten almost every day. During school days, I'll have to make up a story about my injuries. Mr. Freeman is mainly who I'll try to tell for my own safety. Then again, I'm afraid to reveal the real truth about The Ramsey Family and their dark secrets. I went back to eating the food that was on my plate. I've stressed eat so much, my stomach was getting to ache.

"We need to report this, Elora." Achilles suggested. "No child should deal with this torture."

"We can call the police to get the parents locked up. " Kalani says, she agreed with her grandfather.

"No."

"What?"

"I don't want that."

Achilles scoots over his chair towards me. His expression showed deep concern.

"Elora, if we don't help, then you'll be living this guilt between everything. "

I've worried way too much about getting caught by the cops and social workers. It's my life that I want to make my own decisions.

I drink my lemonade from the glass cup. "I'll be alright."

Kalani and Achilles whispered something at the table that I can barely hear them. It was getting me frustrated to not hear what they're saying while I'm there.