Se connecterEmily's POV
The moment the click of the lock sounded, my fragile mask fell apart.This was the moment.I rose from the sofa. I hadn’t been dizzy even for a second from the beginning. I took out my phone and pointed the camera at my face, adjusting the angle so it captured part of Liam’s room, his suitcase, his jacket draped over a chair, his distinctive leather shoes.Then I slipped off my blazer and let my thin blouse fall slightly open, as if I’d dozed off without realiziSienna's POV I raised the book a bit so each kid could see it cover."Now Mommy writes for a lot of nice small readers."The kids suddenly clapped. Some of them happily yelled that they wanted to read every book I will ever write!"Mommy, please write another story.""Yes, Mommy.""I want a funny one."Their happy voices mixed together till the whole room was full of cheerful laughs. Being around them felt like being in a garden with many flowers bloomingI laughed freely before nodding several times."Alright.""Mommy makes a promise to keep writing tales for al͏l of you."Cheers quickly filled the room. Some kids even hugged their pals near them because they were just too happy.I stared at every one of them one by one. Those small faces weren't just kids living in an orphanage no more.They got to be part of m
Sienna's POVI closed my eyes for a moment before opening the first page of the book in my hands. In front of me the children settled into a circle on the carpet that had been prepared for story time.A smile spread across my face as I looked at them. Their bright eyes were filled with excitement and curiosity."Are you all ready to hear a story?""We're ready!"Their cheerful voices echoed throughout the hall. I opened the page and smiled once more."Today Mommy is going to tell you a story about a mother who loved her child with all her heart."Silence immediately filled the room. Every child listened with attention."One day a little boy was. From that moment his mothers entire world changed. His first cry was the most beautiful sound she had ever heard.""From that day on every morning began with his smile. Every evening ended with his tiny hug."
Sienna's POV I looked toward the stage.A tiny wood chair was set under a light. Next to it was a shelf with my new book on it.My heart immediately began beating faster.I had almost forgotten.There was still one final event waiting for me.The book reading.Liam gently took my hand. His smile never wavered."Ready?"I let out a long breath."I think so."His expression softened."It doesn't have to be great. The kids just want to hear Mommy tell them a tale."I nodded slowly.Those words calmed my nerves more than anything else can.The man went on to the stage once more. The place slowly got quieter."Alright, boys and girls."The hall fell almost completely silent."We're gonna start the best part of today's party. Who likes having stories
Sienna's POV At ten o'clock that morning the lights in the hall got a bit dim. Soft music played in the room, then nice applause came from guests who filled all the seats.I sat in the first row by Liam. Liliana was next to me with her small boy on her lap, while William sat next to them with a grin as he absorbed the happy mood.The man walked on the stage. His voice rang out loud in the room"Welcome to Noah's Light Foundation."Claps filled the space once more. My heart got warm each time I heard Noah's name said out loud.I looked at Liam. A small grin came on his lips as he softly held my hand on the lap."I'm nervous," I whispered softly.Liam laughed softly. His eyes were full of joy."The kids͏ are the ones acting, but their mom is the jumpy one."I chuckled softly. My eyes moved to the stage."They must be even more nervous."
Sienna's POV Liliana gripped my hand. She didn’t speak, but her eyes showed me all I needed to know.Far away, Liam was aiding a few helpers set up the seats in front of the stage. Now and then he made jokes with kids, causing them to laugh out loud.I saw him for a little while. Five years ago, we nearly lost one another.We both sank in sadness that felt never-ending. Today we stood in the same spot, not as two folks who just got through loss but like two folks who picked to keep on living.That pick was not easy. There were times when the hurt came back like it had never gone away.There were nights when we still wept in silence. Every morning, though, we grabbed for one another's hands and found the power to go on again.I took a big breath. The smell of new bread mixed with the nice smell of flowers growing in the yard.The sounds of kids shouting to each other bounced around
Sienna's POVThat morning, the place that had been a home to many kids for the last five years changed into a splash of colors. Blue, white, yellow and pink balloons adorned every corner of the hall while ribbons hung from the ceiling swaying softly in the breeze blowing through open windows.A tiny stage stood in the front yard with a book shelf beside it. At the back of the stage hung b͏ig banner that said Noah's Book Reading Day.Long tables sat on one side of the room, topped with many types of food. There was a big birthday cake with clouds and sun, bright cupcakes, jars full of sweets, fresh fruit, and the smell of warm bread floating from the kitchen where the staff had been busy since morning.The kids started to come one by one. The girls had plain dresses with small bows in their hair, while the boys showed up in tidy shirts and long pants.A few of them dashed right to me. "Mommy Sienna, see my dress? Am I pretty
Sienna’s POV I stepped out of the kitchen and my eyes immediately found Noah sitting cross-legged in the living room. His small frame hunched over the tiny table, crayons in hand, busy scribbling on his drawing paper. I walked slowly, making my way toward him. “Noah,” I called softly. He didn’t
Sienna’s POV It took a while before I moved from the bed. This room was too quiet, too empty… but it was the only place where I could breathe without feeling like a broken doll constantly being shattered. I turned on the desk lamp and sat down at my writing desk. I took a deep breath and reache
Sienna’s POV I didn’t regret it. I was grateful to have loved. Grateful to have been a part of this little family, even if in the end, I was pushed out. The front door opened with a creak, followed by Noah’s unmistakable giggle echoing through the house. I was in the kitchen, slicing strawberrie
Sienna’s POV This morning I woke up with a pounding headache and erratic breath. It felt as though I’d been trapped in a never-ending nightmare all night. But I had no time to complain. My eyes landed on the phone vibrating on the table—its screen lit up with a message from the parents' group. [I







