Before Evangela or Lilitha could even react, the heavy doors to the attached orphanage burst open. A literal sea of children came rushing out into the sanctuary, their little faces lit up with absolute joy.
"Sister Gel! Sister Lita!" they cheered in unison.
Instantly, the two doppelgangers were completely swamped, drowned in an overwhelming wave of tiny arms, tight hugs, and excited chatter. The children clung to their cloaks and buried their faces in their robes. Evangela kept her gentle, maternal smile perfectly active, patting their heads with flawless tenderness, while Lilitha maintained Lita's slightly exasperated but secretly fond expression, letting the kids pull at her sleeves.
Hela took a deep breath, trying her absolute best to finally stop crying as she watched the heartwarming reunion. She stepped closer, her expression shifting into one of lingering concern.
