[Six Months Later - Adoption Agency]
"We have a match," the caseworker said. "A five-year-old girl named Ploy. She's been in foster care for two years after being removed from an abusive home."
Rain felt his heart clench. A trauma survivor, like him.
They were shown her file—photo of a small girl with sad eyes, history of abuse and neglect, struggles with attachment.
"She needs patient, understanding parents," the caseworker explained. "Parents who understand trauma."
"We do," Rain said firmly. "When can we meet her?"
The meeting was arranged. Ploy sat in a playroom, clutching a stuffed elephant, watching them warily.
"Hi Ploy," Rain said softly, sitting at her level. "I'm Rain. This is Prapai. We'd like to get to know you."
"Why?" Her voice was tiny, scared.
"Because we'd like to be your parents. If you want that too."
"I'm broken," Ploy whispered. "My old parents said so."
Rain felt tears sting. "You're not broken. You're hurt. There's a difference. And hurt things can heal."
"Did you heal?" She looked at him with old eyes.
"I'm still healing. But yes, I'm much better now. And I want to help you heal too."
Ploy considered this. "Will you hurt me?"
"Never," Prapai promised. "We'll keep you safe. Always."
"Okay," Ploy said finally. "You can be my papas. If you want."
Rain and Prapai looked at each other, tears streaming.
"We want," Rain said. "So much."
[Three Months Later - Adoption Day]
The judge smiled at them. "It's my pleasure to grant this adoption. Ploy is officially your daughter."
Rain held Ploy, who clung to him tightly. "We're a family now."
Ploy giggled—the first real laugh they'd heard from her.
That night, they tucked Ploy into her new room—decorated with elephants (her favorite) and painted in calming colors.
"Will you stay?" Ploy asked nervously. "Until I sleep?"
"Of course," Rain said, sitting on the bed.
He told her stories about buildings that healed and spaces that kept people safe, until her eyes drooped closed.
"She's perfect," Prapai whispered as they watched her sleep.
"She is. And she's ours."
They'd built a family from broken pieces.