Haruhi stood next to the hospital bed numb and alone. The shock wearing off as she wiped the dried tears from her face. She was given her privacy but she knew that she would have to leave the room to meet with the hospital coordinator. A social worker would most likely make an appearance. Squeezing the cold hand she bent down and gave her father a kiss on the cheek. Silently, a lingering tear escaped from her bottom lashes. She squeezed her eyes shut feeling their uncomfortable sting and took a deep shaky breath. Focusing on the only breath left in the room, she slowly slipped into the hallway and shut the door behind her. Not wanting to talk to any officials after his death, she started the long walk home. Down the hall an observer looked on as the pretty girl with vacant eyes walked into the elevator. Both knew the brunette had paperwork to sign and plans to make with indifferent strangers. Neither cared.

The air outside was crisp. It felt good against her skin compared the stifling room of the hospital. The walk should have been long, but somehow Haruhi looked up and found herself at her apartment door. She unlocked the door and swung it open. She didn't want to take that step. That step that symbolized she was forever alone in this world. No one she cared about would be in that apartment again. She would never feel her father's strong arms swing her around in excitement. Would never hear his loud boisterous cry as he doted on his only daughter. In this moment, time stood still. Looking down, Haruhi watched as one foot took a step inside and then another. She carefully took off her shoes and closed the door.

Haruhi rechecked her schedule. Although fairly organized, Haruhi sometimes fell into bouts of absent mindedness. The stressful week compounded an already troubling habit. First, she took the train to Dai-ichi Mutual. As soon as a young Haruhi learned about life insurance, she walked her father through the process. Today, she had a comfortable sum that should help aid her in the near future. She had already taken care of her apartment she once shared with her father. Selling most of her belongings and putting her father's belongings in storage. Haruhi ensured that her future needs were set and opted to invest the leftover payout into a mutual fund. Next, she met with Chairman Souh to ensure her scholarship would be unaffected. She wanted to make sure she had a compelling case before she met with the social worker at noon. Haruhi quietly crossed her ankles as she sat waiting for her appointment. The door opened and the Chairman's warm welcome instantly calmed Haruhi's nerves.

"Hello, Fujioka Haruhi. Please, come in."

"Ohayoo gozaimasu," Haruhi said with a bow. She walked in and took a seat in front of the elaborate desk. Chairman Sough took his position behind his desk and clasped his hands together.

"I understand that you have had a difficult week," the Chairman said.

"Yes, I came here today to make sure I still had a position with the school."

"Of course you do. Recent events have not changed your grades and exceptional test scores. With classes beginning in a week, will you need more personal time? You are more than encouraged to have a leave of absence, as long as you make up the work at home and maintain your class rank. You may speak with your teachers today to make an academic plan during your absence."
"Thank you but that will not be necessary," Haruhi quickly replied. School had always been an outlet for the young girl and she was looking forward to losing herself into her studies. "I am meeting with the social worker today and should be moving to the Hiroo orphanage down the street."

"Very good," the elder said. He was impressed with the girls professional attitude. "Please make sure to update your personal information with the secretary outside. Miss Fujioka, are you sure everything is in order before classes begin? I wouldn't want you to overexert yourself."

"Yes," Haruhi said with confidence. "Although, would it be a problem if I supplied my own uniform? I am hoping to save my money and do not have the funds to purchase the dress."

"Yes, that will not be a problem. I will notify your teachers personally to let them know of your situation."

Harahi stood up.

"Thank you," she said with a slight bow and continued on to her next appointment. Haruhi failed to notice the Chairman's absent voice, lost in his own mind theater.

Haruhi patiently waited outside the group home. She had previously contacted the social worker to meet with her as opposed to the office. She was already nearby and it seemed the most practical. She brought her suitcase, messenger bag, and backpack with her. All of Haruhi's personal belongings neatly organized and packed away carefully in the mismatched bags. She hugged her backpack tighter. A picture of her mother and father zipped tightly comforting the orphan as she waited. Haruhi's eyes glazed over as she thought about her predicament. Just a week ago she would have been planning dinner for her and her father. How quickly life can change, Harahi thought. Suddenly, Harahi noticed a woman walk up to her.

"Hello. Fujioka Haruhi?"
"Yes?" the girl looked up with wide eyes.

"Good, come with me," said the social worker as she quickly hastened to the door of the orphanage. "You are lucky, you know. This is a good area. You are even eligible for adoption if the option presents itself."

Haruhi silently cringed inside. She already had a family.

"You will need to follow all of the institution's rules. It isn't particularly large and most of the youth are well behaved. You will get your own room and can attend Ouran High nearby. That's if you decide to continue your education. Some inhabitants your age have chosen not to continue their education in one way or another."
"Um, actually, I've been meaning to ask you about that. I have been admitted to Ouran Academy with a scholarship and was hoping to begin classes with them in a week. I met with Chairman Souh this morning and there shouldn't be any problems with my continued admittance."

The woman paused, sizing up Harahi for the first time that day.

"Huh," was all she said as she turned her back. She didn't particularly care about this student however unique she may be. "Make sure to attend all of your classes," she said indifferently.

Haruhi breathed a sigh of relief. She did not know what to expect from the social worker but was content that there wouldn't be a problem. The hallways were clean. The constant chatter from the other children could be heard throughout the building.

"Here you are. This is your room. Fold your sheets after you wake up and make sure to empty out the trash can before you leave. You will have a curfew that you must maintain. I'm sure they'll go over all the rules with you. Do you have any questions?"
The young girl rolled her luggage into the room and turned around.

"No, thank you." And with that Haruhi was left alone.