Nadine watched and heard everything from her room. She ceased motion from spot to spot. Commotion has paused for the moment. She knows that Leo is inside. He opened her bedroom door.

"I'm sorry," he told her.

"For what?"

"I broke my promise."

"Your promise has been kept. I regained trust because of you," she said solemnly.

"So, you're not mad."

"Nope."

"You almost lost everything. If you have one last wish, what is it?"

"The same thing I have been wanting."

"What?"

She leaned over and whispered, "A family."

Leo stared at her. "The law doesn't allow adoption here."

"I don't care if adopting orphans is against the law. Besides, rumor has it the orphanage is no longer vacant."

"Okay. However, where can we find you a surrogate family?"

"What about yours?" The question struck Leo hardly. Out of every family in town, she chose his.

Outside, everyone witnesses Leo emerging from the house. Nadine is by his side. No one approaches them, not even O'Connor. Leo declares, "We need to see the mayor."

A hour later, the townspeople flood at the mayor's office. For the first time, Nadine came along. She stays by the Walkers. O'Connor makes a stand in front of the mayor. "Mayor, we come to discuss the matter of adoption."

"Proceed," the mayor said.

"For 20 years, we lived under the rule that bans adoption for foundlings. So, we have them running around like gypsies. Until, one day, a youth chose to lock away in her family home, wishing for a much improved home and a new family. There is one little snag: she is an orphan."

"Where is she? Show me the child."

O'Connor turned his head, and pointed at Nadine. She was sitting next to Gina. "Come here, child. I must have a look," the mayor motioned her.

Nadine disconnects herself from everybody. She stopped in front of the mayor. "Sad to send her to that dready place," he said to O'Connor. "Additionally, it's almost a full house." Then, he altered to Nadine.

"You hid yourself for five years. Is that true?"

"Yes, sir."

"And no one found you since."

"True. Then, my friend Leo searched me out."

"So, child, you want a home. Who do you wish to live with?"

"Leo's family, the Walkers."

"You do know that adoption isn't accepted."

"Why isn't it acceptable? The rule is a disgrace! You are the mayor. Can you change it?" The mayor was disconcerted by the girl's words.

"You're very plucky for your age," the mayor finally entreated.

"There's nothing wrong with being open-minded."

The mayor mulls over every information he heard and knows. Finally, he makes a decision.