The next morning, Kira burst into my room grinning.
"Kara! Today's your free day. We're going out!" she said, practically bouncing.
I blinked. "Free day? I… I didn't even know I could take one."
She rolled her eyes, grinning. "Of course! You've been working too hard. Now come on, let's pick your outfit."
We stepped into her walk-in closet, and I nearly gasped. Rows of dresses, shoes, and accessories lined every wall — from glittering heels to sleek designer bags. My eyes fell on a deep emerald green dress, its satin fabric shimmering as it caught the light. I held it against me and spun slightly.
"You look incredible," Kira said, tilting her head to check the fit. "Emerald really brings out your eyes. And the cut… perfect for you."
I hesitated, fingers brushing the soft silk. "I've… never worn anything like this," I admitted.
She laughed, tugging me toward a pair of strappy silver heels. "Well, now you can. I picked these to go with it. Trust me — you're about to turn heads."
I slipped into the dress, feeling the smooth fabric hug my frame. The heels clicked softly against the floor as I walked. I couldn't stop smiling.
Kira twirled in her own outfit: a fitted sapphire-blue blazer-dress paired with black stiletto boots. Her hair was perfectly styled, with loose waves that framed her face. Even with her confident attitude, there was a playful sparkle in her eyes.
"Wow," I breathed, taking her in. "You look… stunning. Like someone from a fashion magazine."
She winked. "And you, Kara, could easily be on the cover of one too. Come on, we have to look like we belong in this world, not just walking through it."
After getting dressed, we stepped out of the mansion, and I froze. A shiny black BMW sat in front of us, and the driver opened the door. My heart skipped a beat. It wasn't that I didn't know they had cars like this — it was the idea of me actually riding in one.
"Come on, let's go!" Kira said, grabbing my hand.
I hesitated. "I… I don't know…"
She rolled her eyes and tugged me gently. "Stop overthinking. Just get in. You'll get used to it."
I slid into the seat, feeling the soft leather under me. It smelled faintly of polish and… something fancy I couldn't name. My fingers brushed over the armrest, wide-eyed. Never in my life did I think I'd sit in a car like this. I had to stop myself from grinning too much.
As we drove through the city, my heels clicked softly against the floor, and I tried to act normal, though I felt like everyone was staring. Maybe they were, maybe not — either way, I felt… kind of important. My chest lifted a little, and I caught myself smiling without even realizing.
We started talking about our outfits and shoes, just like girls do, pointing out fabrics, textures, and little fashion tips.
"You look really good today," Kira said, glancing at me. "That emerald green dress? Perfect. And the heels… wow."
I laughed nervously. "Thanks… I just feel so… I don't know, fancy? Weird, I guess."
Kira grinned. "Fancy is good. You're turning heads without even trying, trust me."
I glanced out the window, watching people pass by. The streets felt alive — cafés spilling smells of coffee and bread, glass windows reflecting sunlight, heels clicking on the sidewalks. Everything was so different from the orphanage, so… alive.
"You're staring too much," Kira teased, elbowing me lightly. "Don't faint or anything."
I chuckled. "Sorry… it's just all so new."
She smiled at me. "You'll get used to it. One day, maybe you'll have your own BMW too."
I snorted. "Yeah… in my dreams."
For the first time in a long while, I felt lighter. The worries, the orphanage, the loneliness — it all seemed a little farther away. I glanced at Kira and felt a rush of gratitude. For her, for this day, for… just this.
"Thank you for everything, Kira," I said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
She smiled warmly, her eyes glistening. "It's fine, Kara. Thank you, too… I feel more alive now, having someone who actually relates to me. Someone like a sister."
I felt my cheeks heat up. "You're welcome," I murmured shyly.
I hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Can we… please go to my orphanage? I want to see Kate. I haven't been able to reach her — I don't even have a phone — and I thought maybe I could see her today, since it's a free day."
"Of course," Kira said without hesitation. "Let's go right now."
We stepped into the car, the city rushing past us as we drove. I stared out the window, my chest tightening with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The streets I knew so well from school and shopping felt different from the orphanage's quiet, dusty roads. I imagined Kate waiting for me, smiling, maybe having a little surprise for me too.
I saw a woman walking toward us. As she came closer, I recognized her. She was one of the staff members from the orphanage.
I greeted her quickly. "Good afternoon."
She looked at me for a moment, then her face softened. "Kara… how are you? We've been trying to reach you."
My chest tightened. "Trying to reach me?" I asked. "What's wrong?"
She hesitated, her eyes dropping to the ground. "I'm… I'm so sorry to be the one to tell you this."
My heart began to race. "Tell me what?" I whispered.
"Kara… Kate is dead," she said gently. "She had been suffering from cancer."
The world went silent.
"What?" I breathed. "No… no, that's not possible."
My legs gave way, and I sank to the ground. The words kept repeating in my head, but I couldn't understand them. Kate couldn't be gone. She was strong. She promised she would be fine.
Tears blurred my vision. I cried until my chest hurt, until I could barely breathe. I clutched my dress, shaking, as sobs escaped my lips.
"She was the only one I had," I cried. "The only one…"
I felt arms wrap around me. Kira knelt beside me, holding me tightly as I broke down. She didn't speak. She just stayed, letting me cry until there was nothing left inside me.
That day, I lost the last piece of my past… and the only person who ever felt like home.