The rain had just stopped when Alex arrived at the orphanage.
It hadn't changed much. The rusty swings still creaked in the wind, the worn bricks stood stubborn against time, and the painted sign above the entrance read: St. Aurora's Home for Children.
Alex stepped inside with slow, hesitant steps, as if afraid the past might swallow him whole.
"Can I help you?" a kindly woman asked at the front desk, her voice soft.
"I'm looking for someone. She... grew up here," Alex said. His voice cracked. "Her name is Lisa."
The woman's eyes softened. "Ah, Lisa... she used to visit sometimes, even after she was adopted. Always brought books and sweets for the little ones."
Alex clenched his fists. He had no idea.
"Do you know if she's been back recently?"
The woman nodded. "Yes. A few weeks ago. She stayed for a while. Said she just needed peace and quiet."
Alex's heart jumped. "Where is she now? Please, I need to find her."
"I'm sorry," the woman said gently. "She didn't say where she was going. But... she did leave something."
She handed him a small box.
Alex opened it with trembling hands. Inside was a worn-out plush bear, a faded picture of Lisa with two younger children at the orphanage, and a sealed envelope addressed to:
To the man who never saw my love until it was too late.
His breath caught. He opened it.
"Dear Alex,
I don't hate you. I never could.
But I can't keep living in the shadows of your silence.
I always wanted to be someone you'd protect, not out of guilt, but out of love.
Now, I've learned that love means letting go.
Please don't look for me. I'm trying to be brave. Not for me... but for the little soul growing inside me.
I hope, one day, you'll remember me not as your sister...
But as the girl who loved you when no one else dared to."
– Lisa"
Alex felt like the floor had disappeared beneath him.
His knees buckled as he sat on the orphanage bench, holding the letter against his chest.
"Lisa... I was too blind. Too late. But I'm not letting you disappear again."