Sayaka collects her thoughts. This must have been the worst day of her life. Today, she got kicked out of the orphanage where she has grown up for the past 16 years. 

The reason is... New order from the Family Unions, that powerful 0.1% families. That order comes specifically from the Takuya Ikuta family, the ruler of Japan. To be exact, the patriarch is the direct descendant of Takuya Ikuta, the man who started using genetic engineering to create the perfect children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and so forth. 

The patriarch of Takuya Ikuta family, Ryoma Ikuta ordered third-caste orphanages to release children because he no longer wants to fund "futureless" children. At least that was what he said.

With the announcement of that decision, Sayaka has suddenly become homeless.

Shocked and terrified, Yukari offered her place for Sayaka. Yukari has indeed been Sayaka's best friend since they were in primary school. Hanging out with her has been her safe haven from the terrible orphanage.

"Are you okay?" Yukari's voice snaps Sayaka back to the present.

She gives a faint smile to her and nods.

"We have a spare futon, you can use that. Wash your face and get some rest," said Yukari.

"Okay," Sayaka obediently agrees.

She goes to the sink and splashes some water on her face. In 2245, soap is generally unobtainable for the third-caste people. Second-caste people are lucky enough to be able to shower at least once every week. For the third caste, unfortunately, a bath is a luxury that rarely happens.

"I've prepared the futon for you. We all sleep here because it's too cold to sleep separately. At least like this, we can get each other's warmth," explained Grandma.

"Thank you so much, Grandma. I don't know how I could possibly repay you," said Sayaka.

"You, silly girl! You don't have to repay me anything! You're like Yukari's family. You're my family too."

The three third-caste women lie down on their futon, staring at the ceiling. The room is dark and cold. The dampness has caused mould to grow. You can smell it in the air. But who really has time to worry about that when you can barely scrape enough to eat two times a day?

The gentle wind moves the tree in front of the house, creating a subtle sound that is soothing. Sayaka is gently lulled to sleep. Her day is over. And like what her mom used to say many years ago; when the sun rises tomorrow, everything will be better.

Birds have started chirping when Sayaka hears people talking. She wakes up and finds Grandma making a humble breakfast while Yukari is folding futons to create space for them to sit down.

"Good Morning! You sleep okay?" she asked.

"Yuka-chan, I am sorry I overslept. Here, let me give you a hand!" Sayaka quickly gets up and starts folding her own futon as she hurries to follow Yukari to the closet where they store the futons during the day.

"I am sorry, girls. This is all we have for today." Grandma comes from the kitchen with a tray.

On it, there are three bowls of rice, only half filled. There is also two eggs, rolling around on the tray as if they do not want to be there. 

She then cracks the two eggs and mix them with chopsticks. She adds precisely three drops of soy sauce, mixes them a bit more and pour the eggs on the warm rice.

The girls eat what is available. They are grateful for every meal as every meal is a blessing when you do not have much.