8/6/2020, By Christina Claudio, edited by Jaluna Rolik.
Fall of 1898

For most people, Monday was a normal, boring day. It was the beginning of a work or school day,
a day some children pretended to be sick to avoid that big math test or spelling quiz they were supposed
to study that weekend for. But for the two kids in the wagon on East End and Oak, this was an exciting
and, absolutely terrifying, day. “My back hurts.. how much longer?” The younger of them,
a platinum blonde girl with blueberry eyes, moaned. 

“Only a mile or two.” The older, a boy with tan brown hair and green eyes, told her softly. “Adjust your
brace” he reminded her. 

“But it scratches, Marcus!” the girl whined. It was true. Her back brace was made of a brown tough

leather and straight metal rods, to correct her neck and spine that were twisted by rickets. It was also
hot, uncomfortable, and padded with thick wool. 

Marcus put a finger to his lips, pleading with his sister to be quiet. “Lou, please don’t whine.” he asked. 

“Sorry” Lou whispered. “Not trying to be a brat, really” She said sincerely. 

“It's ok,” Marcus hugged her, trying to settle her down. “Just so nervous about where we are heading to".
the boy admitted

That would be the Nadeje Home for Sick and Abused Children, located in the upper east side of the city.

It was the only place that was taking the two children without sending them to separate foster homes,

but that was another story they didn’t feel like telling. Right now, they just told people who asked about it
that their mother died of measles and their father left them at the orphanage in the lower south end.

But they were interested to see the East Side, known as the "Hub of Steam".

Basically, the upper east side of Nadeje, a huge city located between New York and Pennsylvania,
was famous for its use of steam powered energy, from underground lakes and rivers in the mountain
rich area.  Around them, black locomotives were zooming past, some bursting with well dressed
youths full of lace and ties, a stark contrast to the old, horse drawn, covered wagon.

Puffs of steam escaped the local bakeshop, with a brand new oven powered by said underground lake.
There was a butcher that sold fancy meats such as salami and beef roast,
which neither Marcus or Louisa had ever tasted.
Another shop had beautiful toys in the window, such as a hand carved rocking horse, and dolls that look
almost lifelike. “This is amazing! Look!” Lou was in awe, starting to forget her shyness.

“East End & Oak!” The driver, who was their caseworker, then stopped. Climbing off the front seat,
he helped the younger ones down and handed them their few belongings.
“Stand up straight! And mind your manners!’ the burly man huffed, knocking on the door of
the townhouse.

Marcus obeyed, holding Louisa’s hand tight. But he tried not to be scared “Don’t worry.. I’ll keep you safe,”
he told his fearful sister intently.