Chapter 33
“Are you truly my mother’s inend? How is ther
she doing olay in prison? I miss her so much.” A soft shimmer of tears welled up in Eloise’s eyes at the
child seemed to possess an understanding of her other’s incarceration, a fact that took Celeste by surprise.
This revelation was unexpected, indicating a level of comprehension in Eloise that Celeste hadn’t anticipated, Celeste had even mentally rehearsed a gentle Labrication, assuming the child was imaware of her mother’s arrest. It now seemed likely that Eloise’s father had
Your mother is doing fine,” Celeste reassured her “she has entrusted you to my came. From now on, you will live with me, alright? I will treat you as my owni
She wasn’t certain if Eloise would agree to come with her.
Her only recourse was to convey emine sincenty, bom out of gratitude for Joyce.
Eloise paused, a flicker of consideration in her eyes, before finally nodding her head. “I’m willing to go with you if you are truly my mother’s friend. Life here has been difficult. The other children bully me constantly. I don’t want to stay liere any longer.”
“Don’t worry, Eloise,” Celeste said softly. “I will follow all the necessary procedures and work with the director to bring you home with me. Celeste reached out a gentle hand and tenderly brushed Eloise’s hair away from her face,
Eloise’s gaze faltered for a moment, as if words were on the tip of her longue but remained unspoken.
“Is there something you would like to tell me, Eloise?” Celeste prompted gently.
“It’s” Eloise’s eyes dropped, avoiding Celeste’s paze as she asked hesitantly, “Will
me if I make a mistake in the future?”
Herinacent question struck Celeste with a sudden pang of sorrow. Despite their first encounter, Eloise’s apprehension spoke volumes, hinting at harsh treatment endured at the hands of her father or others.
What a pour little girl.
Elnise was a stark reminder of her own vulnerability in the past. Kindness was a rare commodity when she was weak; instead, she faced scom, insults, and even physical vinter.
This wasn’t just a memory from prison
Instinctively, Celeste reached out and drew Eloise into a comforting embrace. “I will never hit you, Eloise. You have nothing to be afraid of.”
“Okay,” Eloise teplied, ber voice surprisingly steady. “I will go with you as long as you promise not to hit me and that you will give me something to eat.” Taking Eloise’s hand, Celeste led her toward the director’s office. She explained the situation, initiating the formal adoption process,
The process progressed smoothly, facilitated by her close friendship with Eloise’s mother and having all the necessary s everything was thrilled.
documentation. By the end of the afternoon,
The director personally used Eloise was bathed and dressed unclean clothes before escorting them to the door. “Ms. Morin, Eloise is a very well–behaved and easy child to care for trust you will have a wonderful relationship,”
Holding Eloise’s hand, Celeste deliberately surveyed their soundings before departing the orphanage.
Only after confirming, they were observed did a helpoise into the car.
Annie went to Celeste’s house the following evening to welcome Eloise’sattival.
Celeste personally cooked dinner for them she didn’t know what Eloise liked to eat, so she prepared a few of the dishes Lucianused to love. After all, they
parlerem en probably wouldn’t differ too much
They sat and chalted the och after dimer. The vile was cozy mul cheerful.
Fluise was understandably slay Additionally, she exhibited mild signs of antisan and was not inclined to speak much. However, with Celeste and Annie’s patient Buldance, her condition gradually began to improve.
