A few more weeks passed before a letter arrived for Lira — and with it came terrible news. Day Light's longtime sponsor, old Lewes Clark, had passed away, and his estate was now in the hands of his children, who had decided to cut all funding to the orphanage. Without that support, Day Light would be forced to close.
Lira stood at the table, her hands pressed to her forehead as she cried. She had worked so hard for years, and now the very place she called home — the place she had raised countless children — was about to be shut down. Young Youri watched from afar, unsure at first how to help, until he remembered where Lira had placed Mr. Knox's card. He took it quietly, walked to her side, and held it out with both hands.
"Don't cry, Lira… we'll be alright," he said softly.
Lira wiped her tears, pulled him into a warm embrace, then after a long moment, she called the number. Knox agreed to meet them at the orphanage the following day.
Just like that, morning came, and the same sleek black car pulled up the driveway. Knox stepped inside, taking the same seat on the sofa near Youri, while Lira stood opposite him.
"Thank you for meeting us today, Mr. Knox," Lira said.
"Don't mention it," Knox replied politely as he lifted the cup of tea she had placed before him.
She continued, "Mr. Knox, we recently had a setback with our funding. A longtime donor passed away, and his family cut all support. We've been searching for new donors, and after our last conversation… you came to mind. I wanted to ask if you might consider being part of this project."
Knox smiled. "I'm honored you thought of me, and I would certainly be happy to help. But I do have one question."
Lira's eyes brightened with hope — until Knox continued:
"Lira, who owns this property? The house, the grounds?"
"The Clark family," she replied. "Lewes Clark — the original donor — bought the land himself. He wanted the children here to have a place to grow and play. He truly was a great man."
"Indeed he was," Knox said.
"You knew him?" Lira asked.
"Yes. I met him recently, just before his passing. We spoke at a fundraiser — he truly was remarkable."
Lira smiled, lifting her cup. "To Lewes, one of the greatest men of Volar."
"To Lewes," Knox echoed, raising his cup as well.
After a moment, he glanced at Youri and placed a gentle hand on the boy's head. "How have you been, young man? I hope you haven't caused Miss Lira any trouble."
Lira quickly cut in. "Oh, don't worry, Mr. Knox. Youri is one of the best kids we've ever had here. He even helps with the daily chores."
"A good boy indeed," Knox said warmly. Then, crossing his legs and turning toward Lira he added, "Now that I intend to become a donor for Day Light… may I request that one rule be changed?"
Lira frowned. "Which one?"
"The rule about single parents," Knox said. "I've grown quite fond of this young man — and I would love nothing more than to raise him into an even better man."
Lira froze. Her expression darkened instantly. Without responding, she collected the empty cups and carried them into the kitchen. After a deep calming breath, she returned and said,
"Thank you, Mr. Knox… but I think we'll need some time to think about it."
"Of course," Knox replied. "Call me whenever you've made a decision."
She showed him out to his car, and he left the property. When she returned inside, Lira knelt in front of Youri, brushed his hair back gently, and said,
"Don't worry, buddy. I won't sell you off. We'll find another way."
Youri smiled. "I know, Lira. I believe in you."
Two days passed. Lira went into town to buy ingredients for dinner, while the long day left Youri tired enough to go to bed early.
Morning came — but Lira did not return.
Youri searched the house, the yard, the path to the main road, every corner of the property… yet she was nowhere. As the hours slipped by, he finally returned inside and sat on the living room sofa. By the time the sun began to set, exhaustion and worry gnawed at his chest.
Then he heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway.
Youri rushed outside, hopeful — expecting Lira.
But standing there was Knox. And only Knox.
He approached slowly, his polished shoes crunching on the gravel. When he reached the boy, he crouched down to meet him at eye level. His voice was quiet, almost gentle.
"Hey, young man… I have some sad news," he said. "Miss Lira… suffered an accident. She passed away a few hours ago."