Chapter 110

NICOLE

“Ms. Nicole?" the little voice called out, unsure. I looked down and recognized Ellie, the little girl I had met at the art gallery previously.

What was she doing out here alone?

I grinned. "Hey, Ellie. We meet again. How are you?"

"I'm fine. I'm so happy to see you," she smiled brightly. That was when I noticed the frame she was holding, wrapped in brown paper.

"What are you doing here all by yourself?"

She gestured to the frame she was holding. It was a wonder how she was able to carry it alone. "Oh, I came to donate this work of art."

"Really? That's so thoughtful of you," I said, holding her hands in mine and helping her carry the painting. "Come on, let's go submit it, and after that, we can get some ice cream. How does that sound?"

"Perfect!" she cheered. Together, we walked to the front desk, and I assisted her in signing her name before we dropped off the painting.

I was still surprised that a girl of her age could come all the way to the orphanage without a guardian.