Telling Mandy

Hailey

I quickly showered and dressed in a pair of capris and a comfortable pair of walking shoes before heading out for my day with the kids. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks. I had made sure my schedule was clear so I could go along. I knew Mandy needed all the help she could get, and this was one small way I could make a difference.

I felt different as I walked into the orphanage, as if I had gone through some ritual that made me a real woman. Everything looked brighter, and I could feel a little extra bounce in my step. I went through the usual greetings before heading down the hall to Mandy’s tiny office. I knocked once and waited.

“Come in,” she called out.

I walked inside and was relieved to see she was alone. I closed the door behind me and took a seat on the small couch against the wall while she tapped away on the keyboard of her laptop.

“You’re early. The field trip isn’t for another hour.”

I smiled. “I know. I wanted to talk, catch up with you.”

She nodded