Const Orphanage 2

A chill crept up Elvira's spine, causing his pupils to constrict as his fingers brushed against the paper. Who had written this letter?

Elvira squinted at the woman, evaluating her with a scrutinizing gaze. He clenched his fist, steadying his expression, and then continued writing on the notebook:

"I wish to adopt a child. Where is Dean?"

The woman's eyes roamed as if in thought, then she took the pen and firmly wrote:

"I can take you to see the children. Someone there is in charge of this."

Elvira nodded, picked up the cloth, and handed it back to the woman along with the notebook.

The woman, holding the cloth and broom, led Elvira to the second floor. Her pace was brisk, glancing down at her watch as if someone were chasing her.

Elvira followed, discreetly feeling the piece of paper in his pocket, which he had surreptitiously torn from the notebook while bending down to pick up the cloth.

As he walked, Elvira noticed several Care Workers, all deeply engrossed in their tasks, scarcely giving him a glance except for occasional checks on their wristwatches.

Soon, Elvira was relieved to hear the sound of children playing and laughing, which made him relax and ease his worries.

On the second floor was the playroom.

The walls were adorned with children's drawings, and corners piled with soft toys. Near the window stood a television and a game console. The room also featured a small stage for the children to freely showcase their talents.

The woman pointed towards a man sitting in a corner. This man, in his forties or fifties, wore the Orphanage's specific work uniform. He sat there staring at a clock in the corner with a very serious demeanor.

Before Elvira could react, the woman hurriedly turned and walked away, as if she had urgent matters to attend to.

Approaching the man, Elvira said, "Hello, may I ask if you're in charge here?"

The man turned sharply, frowning as if he preferred not to be disturbed. However, he quickly adjusted his expression, stood up, and extended his hand warmly to Elvira, introducing himself, "Hello, I am Georgewill, the daytime supervisor of Const Orphanage. And you are?"

"Elvira Nieva, I'm interested in adopting a child here." Elvira shook hands with Georgewill.

"That's wonderful," Georgewill said, pulling up a chair for Elvira to sit, "Normally, I would invite you to my office on the first floor for a chat. However, it's playtime for the children now, and I need to supervise them here. So, we'll have to talk here. I hope you understand."

"In fact, I want to adopt a child who likes me as much as I like them. So, I'm looking forward to spending time with the children before making any decisions." Elvira accepted Georgewill's kindness gracefully and sat down, watching the children play while he spoke.

"Of course, that's understandable. In fact, many people share your sentiment," Georgewill glanced at the clock, seemingly mindful of the time. "We advise the same, that you play with them and increase interaction. However, it's now 4:05 PM, and they have to go to the classroom on the first floor for lessons at 4:15 PM."

"You'll need to keep an eye on the time," Georgewill added pointedly.

"I'll be careful not to disrupt the children's daily routines," Elvira noted, observing that Georgewill visibly relaxed upon hearing this.

"Then, please feel free."

Elvira stood up and watched the children, their cheeks rosy, eyes bright and lively, and their clothes neat, even the edges of their sleeves clean.

Their nails weren't overly long nor chewed up unevenly.

At least on the surface, the children seemed healthy in both body and mind, innocent and romantic, and well-cared for.

But there was one who seemed different.

Elvira noticed a little girl in the corner, playing with a doll while occasionally casting cool, evaluative glances his way.

The girl, about seven or eight years old, had her hair in twin ponytails, wore a pleated dress, and had a butterfly knot tied around her waist.

Her gaze seemed too mature for her age and distinct from the other children's. Despite her attempts to conceal it, she was no match for Elvira's keen observation, and he noticed her immediately.

Elvira approached her, crouching down to look up at her, about to speak, when the little girl beat him to it.

"Go away, I don't want you to adopt me."

Elvira blinked, her statement immediately piquing his interest. The girl before him was like a little hedgehog, keeping all who approached at bay.

Just like he used to be.

He stepped back, hands up in a gesture of surrender, and continued, "I've stepped back, now tell me your name. If you tell me, I'll share a secret with you, the kind that no one else knows."

Elvira knew all too well how to connect with a prickly and sensitive child.

The little girl looked down, fiddling with her doll's face, silent, as if wrestling with a decision. Soon, she whispered, "Blair."

"It's your turn to tell a secret!" Blair looked up at Elvira, her gaze threatening.

Elvira leaned in close to Blair's ear, covering his mouth as he whispered, "I used to be an orphan here, then I left."

"You're lying." Blair turned her head away, squinting her eyes, her look filled with scorn as she shook her head, "I'm not as gullible as those piglets."

Blair's gaze held a coldness and disdain that didn't match her age.