Ch: 3 [Beyond the dreams pt1]

Jack's heart constricted at Sara's words, and he held her even tighter, wanting to convey his unwavering commitment to her. He looked into her eyes, filled with sincerity and love.

"Sara, I want you to listen to me very carefully," Jack said, his voice steady but gentle. "I am not going anywhere. I will always be here for you, no matter what. I made a promise to take care of you, and I intend to keep it."

Sara's eyes searched Jack's face, her expression a mix of vulnerability and hope. "But... people always leave, Jack. Mommy and daddy left, and now I'm all alone. I'm scared."

Jack's heart ached at Sara's fear, understanding the deep wounds that loss had inflicted upon her. He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to assuage her concerns.

Jack's voice softened, his hand gently cupping Sara's cheek. "I know you've experienced a great loss, Sara, and it's natural to feel scared. But I want you to know that I am not like those who left. I am your big brother now, and family means we stick together, through thick and thin. I will always be here for you, through the good times and the bad, just like I promised."

Sara's eyes shimmered with tears, her small hand reaching up to hold Jack's. "But what if something happens to you? What if you disappear like mommy and daddy?"

"I hope nothing happens to me, but if something does happens to me and I were to go far away, I will leave my magical friends with you," Jack explained, his voice filled with sincerity. "They will watch over you and protect you, just like I would. You won't be alone, Sara. I will make sure of it."

Sara's grip on Jack's hand tightened, her eyes searching his face for any signs of uncertainty. She wanted to believe his words, to trust in the promise he made, "But, I can not see them as you do."

Jack nodded, understanding Sara's concern. He looked deeply into her eyes, his voice filled with conviction.

"I know you can't see them, Sara, but that doesn't mean they're not there. Just because something is invisible to our eyes doesn't make it any less real. Sometimes, we have to believe in things we can't see. I have seen these magical friends, and I trust them with all my heart. They will be with you, protecting you and guiding you, even if you can't see them."

Sara pondered Jack's words, her brows furrowing as she tried to grasp the concept of something unseen but still present.

"But how will I know they're there? How will I know they're watching over me?" Sara asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Jack smiled, his hand gently squeezing Sara's. "You'll know, Sara. You'll feel their presence in the warmth of the sun, in the gentle breeze that brushes against your cheek, and in the whispering of the leaves. They'll send you signs, little moments of magic, to let you know that they're with you. All you have to do is believe and trust your heart."

Sara's eyes brightened with a glimmer of hope, her doubts slowly dissipating. She leaned into Jack's embrace, finding solace in his words and his unwavering support.

"Okay, Jack," she whispered, her voice filled with a newfound sense of faith. "I'll try to believe and trust my heart. I'll trust that you and my magical friends will always be there for me."

Jack's heart swelled with love for Sara, his eyes shining with pride. He tightened his embrace around her, wanting to shield her from any pain the world might bring.

"I'm so proud of you, Sara," Jack murmured, his voice full of emotion. "You are strong, and you are loved. And together, we will face whatever challenges come our way."

Soon, Sara fell asleep.

Jack took a deep breath and sighed. He looked around the room, hoping for a sign that Jax was still present. Moments later, Jax materialized in a puff of smoke, a mischievous grin on his face.

"There you are, Jax," Jack said with relief. "I need your help. Sara is scared and worried that I might leave her like her parents did. I want to assure her that I'll always be there for her, but I don't know how to ease her fears."

Jax's eyes twinkled with understanding as he perched on the edge of Jack's bed. "Ah, young master, fear not. I have an idea that might help put Sara's mind at ease."

Jack leaned in, eagerly awaiting Jax's solution. "What do you suggest, Jax?"

Jax's grin widened as he conjured a small, shimmering object in his hand—a delicate, silver locket adorned with intricate engravings. "This, young master, is a locket of protection. It has been passed down through generations of magical beings, blessed with the power to provide comfort and ward off fears."

Jack's eyes widened in awe as he examined the beautiful locket. "How does it work, Jax?"

Jax explained, his voice filled with a mix of wisdom and excitement. "You see, young master, when a person wears this locket, it acts as a reminder of the love and protection that surrounds you. So, put it on Sara's neck."

Jack's face brightened with hope. "That's brilliant, Jax! I think it will really help her feel secure."

Jax nodded, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Indeed, young master. It holds a special enchantment that will provide Sara with a sense of security and love."

Jack carefully took the shimmering locket from Jax's outstretched hand, marveling at its intricate design. It felt warm to the touch, radiating a comforting energy.

With a tender smile, Jack turned toward Sara, who was sleeping peacefully in her bed. He gently lifted her and cradled her in his arms, careful not to wake her. As he placed the locket around her neck, he whispered a soft incantation, infusing it with a protective charm.

The locket settled against Sara's chest, its gentle glow blending with the moonlight filtering through the window. Jack leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his heart overflowing with love and determination.

"I promise, Sara," Jack whispered, his voice carrying the weight of his commitment. "I will always be here for you, watching over you, and protecting you. You are not alone."

Sara stirred slightly in her sleep, a contented smile gracing her lips. Jack tucked her in, making sure she was comfortable and safe, before settling back in his own bed.

As he gazed at Sara's peaceful face, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of hope and responsibility. He knew that being her big brother meant more than just being physically present. It meant being her pillar of support, her guiding light in times of darkness.

With Jax by his side, Jack vowed to be the best big brother he could be. He would strive to create a home filled with love, warmth, and laughter. He would be there to listen, to wipe away tears, and to celebrate every joyous moment. And one day, he will earn enough money, and fix this old orphanage. So that everyone would be able to live happily.

"It's already midnight, you should take some rest, young master," Jax said.

"Yeah. You too take some rest, Jax. And Jax, thank you for everything," Jack replied with a warm smile.

"I... No one ever..." Jax stuttered. After a pause and a baffled look, he continued, "Good night, master."

"Good night, Jax," Jack nodded, exhaustion weighing on him as he settled back on his bed. The events of the day had taken an emotional toll, but he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. He knew that his promise to Sara went beyond mere words—it required action and unwavering dedication.

As he closed his eyes, his mind raced with thoughts of the future. He imagined a world where Sara felt safe and loved, where the orphanage became a place of joy and hope for all the children who called it home. Jack knew it wouldn't be an easy journey, but he was willing to give it his all.

He drifted into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with visions of a brighter tomorrow. He saw himself laughing with Sara and other kids from the orphanage. But suddenly, everything vanished in a blink of an eye and his surroundings turned dark, filled with mist.

Far away, Jack saw a flicker of street lamp glowing and an old man with long beard sitting on a bench under that lamp post.

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