Elissa, busy in the kitchen making a salad, replied without turning to them, “I just grabbed them while shopping, nothing special.”

Raphael chuckled and gave Brantley a gentle pat.

Brantley carried the toys and snacks to his room. After placing the toys down, a thought struck him.

He dashed over to check his pillow and found it completely dry.

Leaning in, he inhaled deeply, noting it smelled like sunshine.

He stood there, momentarily dazed.

After a moment, he hugged the pillow tightly, tears flowing freely again. Elissa stood quietly at the door, watching. After a pause, she softly said, "If you cry on it again, no one will dry it for you."

Brantley quickly stopped crying and obediently said, “Thank you, Elissa."

"You Little trouble!"

Elissa scolded, but her eyes were wet with tears. Brantley walked over, wanting to wipe her tears, but he was too short to reach, so he just looked up at her.

Elissa realized her emotions were getting the better of her.

She composed herself and said, “Dinner's not ready yet. Go do your homework. If you're hungry, you can have some fruit."

Brantley nodded eagerly. Every time Elissa spoke, he nodded, looking a bit silly.

Elissa felt a wave of sadness. She suddenly realized why Brantley insisted on coming back with her.

Here, even if she didn't really like him, she was still his sister and would show him some kindness.

But if he went to an orphanage, who knew what would happen to him?

Elissa crouched down. She still cared about his background and didn't want to get too attached.

She just felt sorry for him and thought she should be kinder.

Brantley sensed the shift in her mood.

He remained silent, quietly helping Elissa wipe her tears.

Outside the door, Raphael observed them quietly.

He realized that if Brantley hadn't come with them, he would forever be a painful reminder for Elissa. She would always resent her father for having a son with another woman. But with Brantley staying, he became her little brother.

Raphael had been through too much when he was young, and he knew all too well the pain hating someone brought.

He didn't want Elissa to experience the same bitterness he had endured.