Edea awoke to the sound of falling rain. She braced herself up with one hand and with her free hand she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. After doing so, she climbed out of bed and turned around to cover up the still sleeping Selphie. The poor girl was too upset to sleep in her own bed. Edea, then, made her way to the bathroom, where she would take her usual morning shower. She took a fifteen-minute show and changed into a light red, tank top dress with flower designs all over it. After combing her hair, Edea walked back into her bedroom to awaken Selphie. She reached down and shook the girl, slightly, as she said, "Selphie, it's time to wake up."
The usually cheerful girl just turned in her sleep, as if she didn't hear Edea's voice. She must be so distraught. Edea thought, and then tucked Selphie in. Afterwards, she tiptoed out of the room and, lightly, closed the bedroom door. After the door was completely closed, Edea walked down the hallway to where the boys were asleep. She opened up the door and stepped into the room, preparing to wake up the boys. Upon stepping into the room, she saw that Seifer was just finishing changing into a fresh pair of clothes. She looked about the room, taking notice that Squall wasn't anywhere within the room. Then, she turned to Seifer and asked, "Seifer, where's Squall?"
Seifer was completely dressed and began making his way to the door. "I don't know. Who cares?" He said, as he brushed past Edea.
Edea watched him walk down the hall and enter the kitchen. She, suddenly, felt a little worried, and then shut the door to the children's room. She stood thinking for a moment as to where Squall might be, but the only thing she could think of was the kitchen. So, she made her way down the hall toward the kitchen, glancing into open doors as she went by.
* * * * * * * * * * *
It was a little chilly outside, considering the amount of rainfall that descended from the sky. The morning looked like midday with all of the gray clouds rolling across the top of the orphanage. Not a soul was out in the rain, except for a small child. The young boy stood in front of the orphanage, staring down at the ground. "I'm… all alone." Squall said. "But I'm doing my best."
Squall remained staring down at the ground, feeling depressed. He began thinking about how Ellone would always comfort him whenever he felt this way. She would always say that everything would be all right and that he wouldn't feel like this forever. Then, Squall tried his hardest to be strong. "I'll be ok without you Sis. I'll be able to take care of myself." He said.
His bravery didn't last very long. It, soon, faded and he longed to be in the comfort of Ellone's presence. "…Sis Elle…" He cried.
Just then, there was a mounted chocobo making its way to the orphanage. Squall looked up upon hearing the chocobo's 'wark' sound. He felt a little scared, afraid that it was someone else coming to take away another child. At that moment, the front door of the orphanage opened and Edea stepped outside. "Squall," she said, as the boy looked back at her. "There you are."
Then, the mounted chocobo caught her eye. She motioned for Squall to get back inside of the orphanage, and then waited for the person to reveal his/herself. "Edea, it's me!" A familiar voice said, as he walked up to the orphanage.
"Cid!" Edea said, excitedly.
Once Cid was in the safety of the orphanage, he let down the hood of his raincoat. "It's great to see you again, Cid." Edea said, as she wore a smile.
"Likewise, Edea." Cid said.
Edea began looking around, frantically. "Cid," she said. "Where's Ellone?"
"Don't worry. She's all right." Cid reassured. "I left her in the care of some runaway Galbadian soldiers."
Edea panicked, as she said, "Galbadian soldiers?"
Cid smiled, and then said, "They have nothing to do with their government anymore. You can trust them. I can assure you."
Edea knew that she couldn't do anything from the Centra continent and trusted Cid's judgment of them. She turned around and opened up the door for Cid to enter. After they both were inside, Edea closed the door, and then led the way to the kitchen. Squall and Seifer sat at the kitchen table, waiting for their breakfast. "Children, look who's back." Edea said with a smile.
"Cid!" Seifer shouted, excitedly.
"I see you've had a lot of adoptions going on." Cid said, noticing how empty the place looked.
Upon hearing the word 'adoption', Squall looked down at nothing on the table. Edea noticed his reaction and decided to try and lighten his mood. "You two must be hungry. I shall get started on your breakfast." She said.
Squall's mood stayed the same, as Edea walked over to the kitchen, and then to the stove. Cid draped his raincoat over a chair next to Seifer, and then sat down. After a moment, Squall looked up at Cid and asked, "Where'd yoo go?"
Cid looked at the boy, and then said, "I was taking a much needed vacation. It's good to take one every once in a while. Edea, I think it's about time you took one."
"I wouldn't know what to do. I'd be too worried about the children to enjoy a vacation." Edea smiled from the stove.
Squall returned his gaze to the table and waited, patiently, for his breakfast. Breakfast was set on the table after ten minutes of waiting. At that moment, Selphie walked into the kitchen, gloomily. Upon seeing Cid, however, the girl was back to her usual cheery self. "Cid!" She shouted, excitedly, as she ran over to him.
Selphie ran into the man's outstretched arms and hugged him, happily. "It's good to see you, too, Selphie." Cid said.
After a moment, Selphie took a seat beside Cid and waited for Edea to fill a plate for her. Once everyone had a full plate of food, they ate, happily, except for Squall, who was just took his time.